In the realm of Christian teachings and beliefs, the call to be “good” has long been a cornerstone of moral and ethical guidance. However, as we delve deeper into the pages of the Bible, we uncover a profound emphasis on bearing fruit that may initially seem at odds with this conventional notion of goodness. In this blog post, we’ll explore this discrepancy and shed light on why focusing on God’s priority of bearing fruit is essential for spiritual growth and understanding.
The Call to Be Good
Throughout the Bible, there are numerous passages that exhort believers to live a good and righteous life. Whether it’s the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament or the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, the call to moral uprightness is clear and unambiguous. Being good, in the Christian context, often involves acts of kindness, honesty, love for one’s neighbor, and adherence to the moral code set forth in the scriptures.
The Emphasis on Bearing Fruit
While being good is undoubtedly a crucial aspect of Christian faith, a deeper exploration of the Bible reveals another layer of God’s expectations: the emphasis on bearing fruit. This concept is particularly emphasized in the New Testament, where Jesus frequently uses the metaphor of fruit-bearing to convey profound spiritual truths.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Here, Jesus illustrates that our connection to Him is essential for bearing fruit in our lives. The fruit He speaks of represents the tangible results of our faith, such as acts of love, kindness, and spreading the message of salvation.
Understanding God’s Priority
So, why does God place such a significant emphasis on bearing fruit? One key reason is that it aligns with His desire for a transformative relationship with humanity. While being good involves following a set of moral guidelines, bearing fruit goes beyond mere compliance. It involves a dynamic relationship with God, where our lives are continually transformed by His presence, resulting in positive actions and impacts on the world around us.
God’s priority is not just for us to perform good deeds but to be transformed from the inside out. As we remain connected to Him, our character, attitudes, and actions are shaped by His love, grace, and wisdom. This transformation leads to a life that naturally bears the fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
In Conclusion
While the call to be good is undeniably important in the Christian faith, it should not be viewed in isolation from the emphasis on bearing fruit. God’s priority is for us to cultivate a vibrant relationship with Him, allowing His transformative power to flow through us and produce fruit that blesses others and glorifies Him. In this way, goodness becomes more than a set of rules; it becomes a living expression of our deep connection with the Divine.
Ultimately, the discrepancy between being good and bearing fruit is resolved when we recognize that being good is a natural outflow of a heart transformed by God’s love. By focusing on God’s priority of bearing fruit, we can experience a more profound and meaningful journey of faith that impacts not only our lives but the world around us.
It is time 