I wrote yesterday about the importance of fruit and how that both in the physical and the spiritual realm, producing fruit is sometimes seen as a messy add-on, best avoided.

As the Apostle Paul would say, “God forbid!” (See Romans 6.1, 2). Or as one preacher put it years ago, “No, no, no. Don’t be stupid!”

Fruit is what it’s about. Unlike yesterday’s picture of the beautiful but fruitless pear tree, my pastor friend Chip Martin in Alabama is motivated by this picture from Colossians 1.6:

In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. (Colossians 1.6, NIV)

A few days ago, I was privileged to spend an evening via Zoom(R) with Chip and 9 of his men, laying the groundwork for what we hope is a thriving 2:7 disciple-making ministry in his church. Like physical fruit, it will be messy! But the process will be worth it. It’s what we’re all called to do and be.

You didn’t choose me, but I’ve chosen and commissioned you to go into the world to bear fruit. (John 15.16, TPT)