Apples and Oranges

Posted on September 29, 2018 by Mike

If you plant an apple tree would you expect oranges to grow? I would hope not. Seeds are very specific. What you plant is what you get. God has given us this simple lesson in all the various kinds of seeds available for planting. Flower seeds grow flowers. Grass seeds grow grass. Apple seeds grow apples. Orange seeds grow oranges. Whatever you plant and then nurture, will grow into precisely what the seed has been genetically encoded to be. The Bible tells us that our lives are also susceptible to a precise outcome, based on what we plant and nurture.

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Galatians 6:7 (NIV)

The human bodies we live in are inclined to follow our selfish desires. When we give into those impulses and indeed nurture them through repeated indulgence – they begin to grow. What was once an occasional bit of fun can over time turn into a disabling addiction. On the other hand, when we repeatedly call on the Holy Spirit to guide us toward seeking God’s will in all that we do, our lives have a chance to grow in a positive direction. When following Jesus serving God is our addiction, the harvest provided is eternal life.

“Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:8 (NIV)

Just as an apple tree will not produce oranges, a life focused on self-gratification will not produce a spiritual connection to God. Serving God by serving others is the way to nurture and grow a deeply rooted connection to God. When you reach out to serve others, you will feel your roots sinking deep into the ground and the fruit you bear will be a pleasing tribute to your Creator.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

You have to plant apples if you want to grow apples. You have to plant oranges if you want to grow oranges. What type of fruit have you planted in your life? Are there some plants that need to be pruned? Have you planted anything that needs to be removed all together? We are all susceptible to our garden getting out of hand as the wild seeds of this world attempt to invade our good soil. We need to carefully manage everything we’ve planted and nurture our relationship with God by seeking ways to spread His love. Dedicated service to God will, in the end, reap the greatest harvest.

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10 (NIV)

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