For fruit trees to produce fruit, they need the right soil, enough light and water, the process of pollination, regular pruning, and disease control. And if we’re to be fruitful, we need many of these things too. 1) We need to be rooted in God. The Bible says that those who trust in God are ‘like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit’ (Jeremiah 17:8 NIV). When we’re rooted in God, we can produce fruit all year round, no matter what’s going on in our lives. 2) We need to be nourished ­­by reading the Bible, praying, and spending time with God – that’s like our water and sunlight.­ Without these, we can’t grow or function well. The Holy Spirit helps us produce fruit, so we need to be building a relationship with Him. 3) We need God to equip us for His purposes, along with the encouragement of others, just like a tree needs insects to pollinate it and help it produce the fruit it was made to produce. 4) We need to be pruned. Pruning means cutting off some branches to help others grow. God prunes us by cutting things out of our lives which are not part of His plan for us, and by disciplining us when we make mistakes (take a look at Hebrews 12:7-11). 5) We need to clothe ourselves with God’s armour so that we’re protected against the enemy’s attacks (have a read of Ephesians 6). Satan doesn’t want us to be fruitful, so he’s working against us. Just like a tree needs to be protected from diseases and pests, we need to be prepared and protected against him.

What Now?

If you can, go to a ‘pick-your-own’ fruit farm. As you’re collecting, ask God to help you produce fruit in your life.