This coming Sunday is the 3rd Sunday in Lent, Year C. All week long we have considered the need for repentance and what follows: the fruit of repentance. Based on Luke 12:1-13:9, the “fruit” might be summarized as referring to our relationship with God, our relationship with self (especially concerning money), and our relationship with others. And clearly in our passage there is a very strong accent on “repentance.” But what is it that we expect regarding our Christian “fruitfulness.”  In his book Purpose Driven Church, Pastor Rick Warren has a section dealing with “Myth #7: All God Expects of Us Is Faithfulness.” His answer to the meaning of fruitfulness is provocative and challenging:

“Myth #7: All God Expects of Us Is Faithfulness

“This statement is only half true. God expects both faithfulness and fruitfulness. Fruitfulness is a major theme of the New Testament. …

“What is fruitfulness? The Word fruit, or a variation of it, is used fifty-five times in the New Testament and refers to a variety of results. Each one of the following is considered by god to be fruit: repentance (Matt. 3:8; Luke 13:5-9), practicing the truth (Matt. 7:16-21; Col. 1:10), answered prayer (John 15:7-8), an offering of money given by believers (Rom. 15:28), Christ-like character, and winning unbelievers to Christ (Rom. 1:13). Paul said he wanted to preach in Rome “in order that I might obtain some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles” (Rom. 1:13 NASB). The fruit of a believer is another believer.

“Considering the Great Commission that Jesus gave to the church, I believe that the definition of fruitfulness for a local church must include growth by the conversion of unbelievers. Paul referred to the first converts in Achaia as the “first fruit of Achaia” (1 Cor. 16:15 NASB).

“The Bible clearly identifies the numerical growth of the church as fruit. Many of the kingdom parables of Jesus emphasize the unavoidable truth that God expects his church to grow. In addition, Paul connected fruit bearing with church growth. Colossians 1:6 says, “All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it …” Is your church bearing fruit and growing? Are you seeing the fruit of new converts being added to your congregation?

“God wants your church to be both faithful and fruitful. One without the other is only half the equation. Numerical results are no justification for being unfaithful to the message, but neither can we use faithfulness as an excuse for being ineffective! Churches that have few or no conversions often attempt to justify their ineffectiveness with the statement, “God has not called us to be successful. He has just called us to be faithful.” I strongly disagree because the Bible clearly teaches that God expects both.

“The sticking point is how you define the terms successful and faithful. I define being successful as fulfilling the Great Commission. Jesus has given the church a job to do. We will either succeed or fail at it. Using this definition, every church should want to be successful! What is the alternative? The opposite of success is not faithfulness, but failure. Any church that is not obeying the Great Commission is failing its purpose, no matter what else it does.

“What is faithfulness? Usually we define it in terms of beliefs. We think that by holding orthodox beliefs we are fulfilling Christ’s command to be faithful. We call ourselves “defenders of the faith.” But Jesus meant far more than adherence to beliefs when he used the term. He defined faithfulness in terms of behavior — a willingness to take risks (that require faith) in order to be fruitful.

The clearest example of this is the parable of the talents in Mathew 25:14-30. … [pp. 62-64].”

While it is clear Pastor Warren has placed a heavy accent on evangelization ad extra, his point is well taken in context, and in a broader sense. In whatever sense of “fruitfulness” that is part of your repentance, is there a willingness to take risks for the greater glory of God?

However it is defined, it is clear that Jesus is doing all he can to give us time to repent and bear fruit to avoid the coming destruction.

A Final Thought

The parable of the fig tree is an invitation to us to consider the gift of this next year as a gift of God’s mercy; a year of God’s favor (Lk 4:19). Would you make it a year of forgiveness, restoration, and second chances?

What would you do if you only have one year remaining?  Would you make up for the wrongs done? What you failed to do? Would you focus on things that bring meaning, joy, and closure? Perhaps you’d spend time strengthening relationships: spend quality time with loved ones; express gratitude, love, and forgiveness to those who matter; or reconnect with old friends or estranged family members.

Maybe it is a moment to turn inward and deepen your spiritual life: spend more time in prayer, scripture, and worship.; seek peace and understanding of our teachings on eternity; or share your faith and encourage others in their journey.

Would you give generously? Donating to causes that matter to you. Mentoring or helping someone in need. Maybe you would perform random acts of kindness.

It’s a year of mercy. It’s your year. What will you do?

---

Image credit: The Vine Dresser and the Fig Tree | James Tissot, 1886-1894 | Brooklyn Museum | PD-US