From Seed to Fruit: The Growth Process – The Time
The last element that we will look at regarding the growth process is time – the “season” for growth of the seed. Nothing which requires growth and maturity can achieve it instantly – it must be allowed time to develop. We must grow according to God’s timing and His direction. As we have seen throughout this section, many elements must be in place before a seed can grow; it is the same in our daily lives as we learn to “walk (habitually live) in the Spirit” and produce the Fruit of the Spirit.
We must carefully prepare the soil of our hearts to receive the seed; then we must cultivate the soil to continually clear it of rocks, weeds, and other things that may impede the growth of the seed. We study God’s Word, watering the seed with the knowledge of Jesus Christ, worshipping God in spirit and in truth so that the Holy Spirit can rain down His refreshing upon us. Then we must provide light to the seed as we continue to study God’s Word, and listen for God’s voice to guide and direct our paths. As the seed grows into a seedling and pushes its way into the sunlight, we must absorb ourselves like a sponge into God’s Word. As the root grows deeper and the stem develops into a tree with healthy young leaves, we are becoming firmly rooted and grounded in the Word, and in the knowledge of truth.
As we begin to grow and develop spiritually, we find that our desire is to do the things that God has commanded of us – then we begin to see blossoms on the tree; but, it is only when we are steadfast in the “knowing” of those things that God has for us that we begin to bear fruit. 2 Peter 3:18 (The Message) says, “Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
We are fruitless unless we are part of Jesus. John 15:14 (NIV) says, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” And in John 15:8 (NIV), “This is my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
In the posts that follow, you will learn what the Fruit of the Spirit is: what is its purpose, how it is cultivated in your life, and how to cause it to produce abundantly for you! This study is going to change your life!