“Bear fruit – bear more fruit…bear much fruit….” (John 15:1-8 NKJ).
We are living in an age that wants instant results. Ours is a push-button society that is turned off by delays, slowdowns, or obstructions. We want our photos, our printing, our cleaning and our answers – right now!
In the story of the tortoise and the hare, we are more impressed with the rabbit than with the turtle because the rabbit is speedy. Like us, he’s anxious to be “off and running.” He appeals to us because he’s a “shaker and mover,” the type that “makes things happen.”
The turtle, on the other hand, is just not “with it.” He’s a slow mover, a plodder, a “real stick-in-the-mud type.” He has no “pizazz,” generates no excitement, no glamour. He’s Just plain dull!
Lost in our comparisons is the fact that the lowly turtle won the race while the speedy rabbit never made it to the finish line.
There are dozens of books on the market these days on how to go from kindergarten to graduate level in one quantum leap. Even many Christians seem to want to go from spiritual babyhood to manhood in “one giant step.”
By contrast, this verse indicates a “longevity mindset.” First we bear fruit. Then as we persevere and faithfully continue, we bear more fruit. If we keep at it, ultimately we bear much fruit.
I certainly don’t mean to extinguish the fires of enthusiasm or spiritual desire. But the message remains the same: It’s the long haul which counts. Time is on our side. Sooner or later faithfulness and consistency produce fruit, then more fruit, then much fruit. It’s just a matter of time!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.