Where is Your Fruit?
[Matthew 21:18-22]
Jesus Curses a Fig Tree
"18 Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. 19 Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered. 20 When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked. 21 Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
As someone in faith-based recovery from addiction, you have likely experienced firsthand the transformative power of faith and spiritual growth. However, it's important to remember that this growth is not just about attending church or reciting prayers. It's about actively living out your faith, cultivating the fruits of the spirit, and putting your beliefs into action. In Matthew 21:18-22, we can find an important lesson about the importance of bearing fruit in our spiritual lives.
In this passage, Jesus and his disciples are travelling to Jerusalem, and Jesus sees a fig tree by the side of the road. He approaches the tree, hoping to find some fruit to eat, but he finds nothing but leaves. Frustrated, he curses the tree, and it withers and dies. This might seem like a harsh response, but Jesus had a deeper message in mind.
The fig tree in this passage is often interpreted as a symbol for the nation of Israel, which at the time was full of religious leaders who were outwardly pious but lacking in true spiritual substance. The leaves on the tree represent the external trappings of religion, such as rituals and traditions, while the fruit represents the genuine love, compassion, and justice that should be the fruits of true faith.
By cursing the fig tree, Jesus was condemning the hypocrisy of the religious leaders who claimed to be followers of God but were not living out the values that God calls us to. However, this message is not just for the Jewish audience of Jesus' time. It is a message for all of us who claim to follow God today.
As someone in recovery, you have likely come to realize that true healing and transformation cannot come from simply going through the motions of religion. You need to actively live out your faith, putting the fruits of the spirit into practice in your everyday life. This means being kind, compassionate, and forgiving to yourself and others, practicing self-control and self-discipline, and seeking justice and righteousness in all that you do.
Jesus' condemnation of the fig tree reminds us that simply having leaves – or going through the motions of religion – is not enough. We need to bear fruit in our lives, cultivating the virtues and values that come from a deep and abiding relationship with God. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul describes the fruits of the spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the virtues that we should strive to cultivate in our lives, as they are the true indicators of a life lived in accordance with God's will.
Of course, bearing fruit is easier said than done. It's easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, the stresses of work and family, and the temptations of addiction. But as someone in recovery, you have already taken the first step towards living a life of spiritual fruitfulness. By acknowledging your addiction and seeking help, you have demonstrated a willingness to change and grow. Now, it's up to you to continue on that path, cultivating the fruits of the spirit in your life.
One way to do this is by staying connected to your faith community. Whether it's through attending church, participating in a recovery group, or simply spending time in prayer and reflection, staying connected to God and to others who share your values can be a powerful motivator for spiritual growth. It's important to surround yourself with people who will support and encourage you on your journey, as well as hold you accountable when you fall short.
Another way to cultivate the fruits of the spirit is by practicing mindfulness and self-reflection. Take time each day to reflect on your actions and attitudes, and ask yourself how you can better align your life with the values of love, joy, peace, and so on. Set goals for yourself, whether it's to practice more patience with your family, to be more kind to yourself when you make mistakes, or to seek forgiveness from someone you've wronged. By intentionally focusing on these virtues, you can begin to see real growth and change in your life.
However, it's important to remember that bearing fruit is not just about self-improvement. It's also about using your gifts and talents to make a positive impact in the world. As someone in recovery, you have likely experienced the pain and damage that addiction can cause, not just to yourself but to those around you. By cultivating the fruits of the spirit in your life, you can become a source of healing and hope for others who are struggling.
This might mean volunteering at a local shelter or recovery center, mentoring someone who is just beginning their recovery journey, or simply being a listening ear and a source of support to someone who is struggling. By using your own experiences to help others, you can turn your pain into purpose and make a real difference in the world.
In Matthew 21:22, Jesus says, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." This is not a promise that God will give us whatever we want, but rather an assurance that if we are living in accordance with God's will and seeking to bear fruit in our lives, God will provide us with the strength, guidance, and resources we need to make a difference in the world.
As someone in recovery, you have already demonstrated a belief in the transformative power of faith and spiritual growth. Now, it's up to you to continue on that path, cultivating the fruits of the spirit in your life and using your gifts and talents to make a positive impact in the world. Remember, Jesus condemned the fig tree because it had leaves but no fruit. This is not just a message for the religious leaders of his time, but a message for all of us today, even those of us working the program. May we all strive to bear fruit in our lives, living in accordance with God's will and making a difference in the world around us.
So...Where can you make the most impact and produce the most fruit today?
