Be A Results Oriented Christian

By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Matthew 7:16 (NIV) 

We like to see the results of our efforts. When I know I have been sticking to my diet I expect to see good blood test results for my diabetes, and when I step on the scales I like to see that my weight has decreased, or at least has not increased. 

Good results motivate us. When we work toward a goal and the results are far better than we expected we receive a bountiful harvest for our efforts. And then there are times when we expect no harvest, when we put a little bit of effort into something and we end up receiving an unexpected harvest. 

Recently, I met a family member I had not come across in many years. He said to me: "Do you remember when you taught me to shoot a bow and arrow?" And I did recall many years earlier the time I shared my love of archery with the middle-aged man before me, who back then was a teenager, and I was quite young myself when I taught him to shoot. He told me how he had purchased bows and arrows and was teaching his son archery. 

Seedtime and harvest are principles God set in motion long ago. When we plant seeds of various kinds into the lives of others, or even when we just plant good things into our own lives, there will be a harvest much bigger than the few seeds we planted. 

What began as just a little bit of time showing my young cousin how to shoot a bow, has become a generational activity in that family that may carry on long after I'm gone from this earth.  

So it is with spiritual things. Fill yourself with God's word, take time to pray and strengthen your spiritual life, then share that love of God's word and your love for the Lord with others. That passion for God you share may be passed on to others far beyond the little bit of time you take to share your love of God with just one person. 

Sow good things into your life, and sow good things into the lives of others. You will reap a harvest for your efforts, perhaps far beyond what you could have imagined. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, we have opportunities every day to sow good things into our life and the lives of others. Help us to be fruitful, and to never fail to share You with those around us. Amen. 

Karlton Douglas 

Copyright 2017