Rooted in Christ: Becoming Fruitful for All

“And if one member suers, all the members suer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26)

We all have individual and unique relationships with God. The growth and development of this sacred and precious relationship with Our Lord Christ can take form at different times, places, mentalities, and situations. All things considered... Have you ever taken a moment to react on these intimate moments with God? Do you know and believe that these little moments that you have with God that no one may necessarily know about, can lead to global transformation? While it may seem far-fetched or the time where you say ‘not me’... take some time to discover what it means to become truly fruitful for all.

When we say moments with God they don't necessarily always mean when you happened to be pondering by a lake or wandering in a forest reflecting on your life that you felt God's presence. Your moments with God can occur at any second or every second of the day as it is your choice. Your walk with Christ is not one that has a limit, as it is up to you to decide when to let God into your heart and work with you. When you pray, read the Bible, and go to liturgy these are the model ways to hear and know God. However, your moments with Christ do not need to be when you are at your best and are prepared for them but can happen when you are feeling lost, hopeless, and generally at your lowest. We are all struggling in different ways that can go on and on.. whether you failed an exam, did not get a job, lost a loved one, or are not making ends meet, everyone has their own cross to bear. While there are going to be vulnerable and stressful times, among these exact moments is when God is working with you the most ....even if we do not see it at that moment... know that “He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

What we have to understand is that while “There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand” (Proverbs 19:21). When we pray ‘Our Father’ we utter “thy will be done” every single time whether you notice it or not. If it is God's will it will happen and if something is not meant for you it will not happen before you say ‘what's the point in trying’ do not underestimate that God will give you something so much greater so long as you are willing to let go and let God work with you. Your relationship with God is not a straight path that is paved before you. As we continue to change God reveals himself to each of us in His own perfect and personal way that then allows us to be united as a universal church.

Take David as an example from the Old Testament. Yes, while we know David to be the small shepherd boy who defeated Goliath and became King of God’s people over Saul. David was also the same man who, despite being rewarded and loved by God, committed adultery with Bathsheba and permitted the murder of her husband Uriah (2 Samuel 11). However, David repented and allowed God back into his heart eventually contributing to the Book of Psalms which is a vital book of the Bible for everyone to learn and grow from. In this rather dark moment for David in being distant from God, there was a greater lesson to be had that beneted not only David but everyone as we all commit sin. The book of Psalms allows us to grow spiritually and to learn about praise, fasting, and forgiveness. Even after his tribulations David through the grace of God is able to share that “For the Lord is good; His Mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations” (Psalms 100:5)

The Samaritan Woman serves as another example of how her own moments with God transformed not only her but allowed others to experience God through her testimony. A short encounter at the well was all it took for the Samaritan Woman to change and become a prominent evangelist, even before the disciples, to her entire town regardless of her past. Our Lord knows us and has a divine plan for each of us using our talents only if we are willing to listen and open our hearts. When we open our hearts to Christ we learn that it is not only for our own benet but for the strengthening of the community as a whole.

Even on the night of the great betrayal, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ prayed “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us...” ( John 17:21). One of the last few prayers of Christ was for humanity to be united and what better way can a community be together than when we share our love for Christ with one another. When we go through our struggles and come out of it stronger through the grace and mercy of God it becomes important that we share how we were able to overcome it with others who may be in a similar situation. When you struggle, the person you would want to talk to the most is someone who has been in the same boat as you yet has been able to move past it. As Christians, we strive to share the love that God teaches each of us to have in our own personal journey with Christ. For example if you have been in a situation where someone close to you had hurt you deeply, but through the mercy of God you were able to learn forgiveness and attain peace through this hurdle then you can extend these fruits to not only the congregation but everyone you encounter in your life. 

As the Bible perfectly puts it “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). There is no question that we all need each other as we get through each and every day. Becoming a good person is something that is instilled in us and it becomes our responsibility to share what God teaches us about love and all the other fruits to those who may lack experiencing these fruits of kindness and gentleness in their life. You are precious in the eyes of God and when you allow Him into your life, you will discover who you are and how you can make a difference in the whole body of Christ. If you see yourself even half the way that God sees you, you will have no doubt in your mind what difference you can make in the world with the ability that God grants us every morning when you open your eyes and start your day!