FLOURISH TO WHAT END?

We have been talking all year about flourishing. I know we are only three weeks into the year, but already we have looked at how we prepare the soil of our hearts, how we plant the right seed and how we abide in the vine so we bear much fruit. This week, I want to show you what to do with the fruit. 

Your flourishing isn’t an end in itself. God blesses us to be a blessing. God produces fruit through you that other people need. The abundant life you want comes as you give it away to others.

I used to have fruit trees in my backyard. Figs. Avocados. Lemons. Oranges. It was pretty great, until it wasn’t. Not only did we have to contend with the birds and raccoons stealing our fruit. When it produced abundance, we had fruit rotting on the ground. I tried to eat more. Luke sold some on a fruit stand in front of the house. But we still had more than we could use. We had to give it away or let it rot.

Spiritual gifts are how we distribute spiritual fruit to hungry people. If you learn to use your spiritual gifts to deliver the fruit, it will not go to waste. It will bless others and you will be blessed in the process.

Bring a Bible and read ahead in 1 Corinthians 12-14. It’s gonna be good!