John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. (ESV)
While driving home this week I noticed that many gardens are flourishing and looking great. Some plants have plenty of vegetables and the tomatoes are ripe so that you can pick them and just eat them. While other gardens are a little brownish and you can see some fruit, looks like they are barely hanging on.
Bearing fruit is not optional. When we plant, we expect something to produce. We water all of the plants so that they can produce. We clean the area the same way so that all the plants have a chance to survive. So why do some produce more than others? Why do we water and spend time everyday removing weeds so they all have a chance to grow; and still some plants don’t produce? The reason is because their roots are not strong enough to look for water. The roots are not spreading to absorb as much water as they can so they can grow. Their roots are not strong enough to retain water.
In the same manner we need to have strong roots in our Faith. Are you happy with the fruit that you are producing? A better question… is the Lord happy with the fruit you are producing? Then maybe your roots need to get strong. I need to strengthen my roots and search for God’s word. I need my roots to get strong so that they can retain the messages I hear from the Lord’s word.