Roots and Fruits

Roots nourish and support plants so they are equipped to produce fruit.  What a plant is rooted into influences the fruit it produces, naturally.  Without adequate water, roots must dig deeper into the ground to access the source; but without adequate water drainage, roots will rot and the plant dies.  When a tree is watered too often, its root system will not be adequate to withstand heavy winds, ice, drought, and other factors that would threaten it.  The fruits of a well-nurtured plant are delightful.

The root system is fundamentally united with the soil.  To transplant a tree is a delicate process, as the tree goes through a time of shock at its roots being unearthed.  Most transplanted trees, when cared for wisely, are able to overcome this shock and eventually blossom. 

Production of fruit only comes once the plant itself is in a position of having enough life power to do the work of bearing.  The fruit of the Spirit is rooted in Truth, nurtured by continued contact with the Father as our foundation, watered by the Holy Spirit as we depend on Him to guide our growth, and it's all a grace gift at the expense of our Savior.  Without all the components, soil won't support a tree; and when we neglect our spiritual growth, we falter as the storms of life come.  Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5) comprise the fruit in us that makes us capable of being fruitful external of ourselves.

Not only do plants produce fruit "according to their kind," (Genesis 1), but also cleanse the air, convert sunlight into food, provide beauty and shade, and even grant shelter to great and small.  Look around you, wherever you are, and you'll likely see the signs - a desk made of wood, a bamboo cutting board, even coffee in your mug - all because a seed grew toward the ends of usefulness.

Jotting with Johnna
Are you grounded in your faith so that the winds don't break you?  What manner of fruit is growing in your life - is it time for pruning?  Can you witness and celebrate the fruit God has grown in you?  When we align ourselves with Jesus, we flourish, able to provide shelter, refreshment, and energy to those who are in need.  What small act could you do today to ensure others benefit from your growth?

Remember:  you are so very worthy of the environment and encouragement it takes you to manifest fruit that honors your roots in Christ.

Stay tuned.  Stay focused.  Stay well.