Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Word FILLED Wednesday: Spoiled Fruit?

God loves and cares so much for His own.  He provides everything they need to produce good spiritual fruit.  Yet, I'm afraid many Christians are spoiled...bad, spoiled fruit.  We aren't useful for His purposes.

Just like a spoiled child we can be harming our own character through our selfishness.  We seek after this world.  We are self seeking, overindulging, excessively praising things that aren't praise worthy.

It's not about being fruitful in just my family either.  It's about becoming fruitful in the lives of others.  I've been challenged this week...so let me share with you too.  Do you live for your next purchase, your child's next game or event, your kid's good grades, etc.?  Who or What do you live for?

And just like it talks about here in Isaiah 5...if we don't produce good fruit...God will discipline us.  Just as a spoiled child requires discipline.  Being God's own child...I'm no longer worried about His eternal judgement.  The substitution of Jesus Christ, dying on the cross for my sin, makes me His own.  That substitution is the difference between discipline and judgement.

Just like children don't fear the judgment of death from their parents...I don't fear eternal death from my perfect, heavenly Father.  BUT...just like spoiled children require discipline...I too, require discipline from God...to help me grow strong and mature in Him...so I can bring glory to His Name.

How do you respond to God's discipline?  How will you learn from your Heavenly Father...to find grace and help to move forward in your faith?



6 comments:

Amanda said...

Excellent post Bobbi! I have often referred to our need for discipline when we behave as 'spoiled' children.

It really is a comfort because He only disciplines those whom He loves. We should rejoice and embrace it because it will produce good, juicy fruit, pleasing unto Him.

Happy WFW and God bless you...

Wanda said...

Bobbi, you've shared a very sobering post. Reminded me to get proper focus. Like any "spoiled" child, His discipline isn't always welcomed but certainly needful to produce God-like character. Have a blessed day.

lori said...

Whew girl! You know I have on occasion needed the "spoiled child" check myself. It's so easy to slip into...you know we even compete these days trying to outbusy each other...talk about not producing good fruit. Wand's right, it is sobering, but necessary to "check in" daily to see if we need that "attitude adjustment" God style...

Loved it! My first of the day...what an awesome way to begin!

peace,
lori

Barbara H. said...

It is so easy to get distracted or off course -- I am thankful for the Father's loving discipline and course correction -- even though it is uncomfortable some times.

Heather said...

What a humbling and powerful post! Thank you for sharing your heart. Wow, I will be pondering this now.

Denise said...

Such a great post.