As we go about the godly works of life, we ought to look for fruit. To see the fruit of our labors helps to encourage us to press on with further works. However, we should be careful not to become discouraged when we do not see the fruit right away. Fruit is not always an immediate product. There are also times when the fruit comes for others to enjoy and be encouraged by.
Someone has stated, “All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today.” [source “1600 Squibs and Quips”, compiled by E.C. McKenzie]
God is the One Who has placed the power of life inside even the tiniest of seeds. Though we may plant and nurture them, we have no power to force the growth. The credit still falls with God. He gave us the task of planting the seeds in which He placed the power of life. This is a focus we should also retain regarding the seeds of our actions as well.
Because of an overemphasis on the significance of certain men, Paul exhorted the church at Corinth in writing. . .
(5) What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. (6) I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. (7) So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. (8) He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.” (1 Corinthians 3:5-8 ESV)
We may plant, but the power of even the seeds of our actions comes from God. The power of fruitfulness is in the seeds of today’s actions. In its time, God will bring about the fruit. The thing for us to focus on is what we are continuing to do today. It is important for us to continue sowing and nurturing as we trust God to bring the eventual fruit of the labors.
Have a great day PLANTING SEED!
Carl
