Luke 3:9
The Ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown in the fire
Every year we have to evaluate our lives to see what is working and what’s not working. There’s no need to keep anything in your life, business, or ministry that is no longer being productive, especially if it is taking up your resources. There is a season for everything and everybody in your life. When something or someone is no longer productive in your life it’s time for a necessary ending.
When John the Baptist preached that people should repent and be baptized to enter God’s kingdom, he warned them to produce fruit in keeping with repentance. In other words our actions should reflect our commitment to change. Here we are at the beginning of a New Year and many people have made a commitment to change. We have repented from lifestyles that do not reflect the Holiness of God, but just like those people that came to John the Baptist we have to resolve to make a change. John told them to repent which means to turn away from, and then he told them to show fruits of repentance. Someone in the crowd asked John, “What things should we do?” That’s a good question for the New Year.
John told three groups of people three things they should do to produce fruit in their lives. Here they are:
Help me to be productive this year so that I will not be cut off. If you find any unproductive parts or people in my life please prune me so I can be more productive.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
The Ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown in the fire
Every year we have to evaluate our lives to see what is working and what’s not working. There’s no need to keep anything in your life, business, or ministry that is no longer being productive, especially if it is taking up your resources. There is a season for everything and everybody in your life. When something or someone is no longer productive in your life it’s time for a necessary ending.
When John the Baptist preached that people should repent and be baptized to enter God’s kingdom, he warned them to produce fruit in keeping with repentance. In other words our actions should reflect our commitment to change. Here we are at the beginning of a New Year and many people have made a commitment to change. We have repented from lifestyles that do not reflect the Holiness of God, but just like those people that came to John the Baptist we have to resolve to make a change. John told them to repent which means to turn away from, and then he told them to show fruits of repentance. Someone in the crowd asked John, “What things should we do?” That’s a good question for the New Year.
John told three groups of people three things they should do to produce fruit in their lives. Here they are:
- Everyday people: the man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one with food should do the same. (verse 11) Whatever resources we have we should share with those who have none.
- Tax collectors/politicians: Don’t collect anymore than you are required to. This sounds like the answer to the fiscal cliff. We should not overtax the poor. There should be equal and adequate taxation. (Verse 13).
- Military/police: Don’t extort money, and don’t accuse people falsely, be content with your pay. The police and military are called to protect and serve not to extort and exploit. (Verse 14).
Help me to be productive this year so that I will not be cut off. If you find any unproductive parts or people in my life please prune me so I can be more productive.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
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