I had been checking the fig trees every few days hoping to find a ripe one. As I walked by pushing the wheelbarrow one afternoon, I caught a glimpse of something golden half hidden behind the healthy green leaves. I quickly stopped, pushed the leaves aside and found the treasure I had been anticipating. Delicious ripe figs! Six to be exact. I savored the soft sweetness and rejoiced in the glimpse that yielded this special treat when I wasn't even seeking. Dad went by on the lawn mower and my joy was doubled in being able to share with him.
In today's America, fewer and fewer families and individuals are actively seeking the things of God. Especially not in the traditional sense of going to church every Sunday. For many, the only glimpse of God they will see is from the Christians they encounter during their normal weekly routine. If that glimpse is hard and sour or rotten, there is little likelihood that they will have any interest. However, if that glimpse is pleasant and inviting with a sweet flavor they may desire to move the leaves aside and investigate what this hidden treasure is all about.
Scripture says we will be known by our fruit and that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Since we are a reflection of Christ to a world that isn't even looking for Him, and since we have His Holy Spirit dwelling within us and giving us guidance, there is no reason for us to be hard, sour, or rotten. In all of our interactions let's allow the unsaved to glimpse something deliciously golden and appealing that will cause them to ask what is hidden in our hearts and spirit. Then our joy will be doubled as we share about our Savior and Lord.
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
