Swing Set and Fruits of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23a (New International Version)   

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Growing up we had in our back yard one of the coolest swing sets. The day soon came that my brothers and I we out grew it.  Once we did the question came, what we do with it. Not sure whose idea it was but the decision was made to make it into a grape arbor.  As the summer progressed we were able to enjoy the many grapes that were produced. What a joy it was to go pick the grapes directly from the vine. Unlike the seedless grapes I buy in the store, these grapes had seeds. These seeds which I would so tediously take out of each grape would produce more grapes if I'd plant them and give them the right conditions under which to grow and multiply.

I thought of the fruits of the Spirit. Like the grapes from the vine, these fruits, if handled correctly, would multiply in our lives, making us better persons and blessing others who touch our lives.

Have we allowed the fruits of the Spirit to be manipulated like the hybrid grapes until there are no seeds to be planted and spread to others? Have we made them beautiful and enjoyable for our use only, with no means to spread them to others?

The good things of life need to be shared and multiplied, but unless the seeds are there, they become dead ends, one-time-only fruits that evidence the Spirit in us, but don't allow us to pass them on to others.

Have we allowed our churches to become hybrids -- producing the very best programs possible in the most beautiful buildings we can afford, yet producing a fruit that contains no seeds?

Dear Lord help us to understand that our spiritual fruits must contain seed that will multiply and grow to keep Your church going.  Make us seed producers in Your church. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Story of the Little Grape Stem.

Hebrews 10:23-25 (New International Version)

23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

It is important in life that we recognize that we need each other for strength and encouragement. Every believer that is born into the kingdom of God is now called our brother and sister in Christ. When you are sitting in the church pew and you see believers to the left and right of you, they are not only friends and acquaintances, but are your brother and sister in the Lord.

Here is a cute story that I hope encourages your heart to always lend a helping hand when you see someone struggling in an area which you have already been Victorious over.

Story of the Little Grape Stem

Once upon a time there was a little grape stem. This stem was so glad to be alive...She drank water and minerals from the soil and grew and grew. She was young and strong and could manage quite well...All by Herself.

But then, the wind was cruel, the rain was harsh, the snow was not one bit understanding, and the little grape stem suffered. She drooped, was weak and was just suffering.

It would be so easy to stop trying to grow, to stop trying to live. And the grape stem felt poor! The winter was long, and the stem was weary.

But then the little grape stem heard a voice. It was another grape stem calling out to her…“Here, reach out...hang on to me.” But the stem hesitated. “What would this mean?” she thought, for you see, the little stem had always managed quite well...All by herself.

But then, ever so cautiously, she reached out towards the other grape stem. “See, I can help you”, it said. “Just wind your tendrils about me and I will help you lift your head.” And the little stem trusted...and suddenly she could stand straight again.

The wind came...and the rain...and the snow, But when it came, the little grape stem was clinging too many other stems. And although the stems were swayed by the wind...and frozen by the snow, they stood strongly united to each other. And in their united strength...they could smile and grow.

And then, one day the little stem looked down and saw a tiny stem, swaying and frightened. And our little grape stem said, “Here, hang on...I will help you.” And the other stem reached up to our grape stem...And together all the stems grew...Leaves budded...flowers bloomed...And finally, grapes formed and the grapes fed many.

He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love has been brought to full expression through us.”

Dear Lord we pray that we would be willing to use the lessons we have learned from those who have helped us to help others. Help our eyes be open to those who need help. In Jesus’ name, Amen.