…clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit… Jude 1:12
As August fades into September we get ready to send kids and grandkids back to school. We get ready for another “Is this our year?” football season.
Autumn is fast approaching. It is the time of preparation for Thanksgiving (although giving thanks is best practiced daily), a time for the harvest, But the harvest can only happen if the fruit has appeared on the crops.
Biblically, fruit-bearing is often seen as evidence of a genuine relationship with Christ. Without it, one’s faith may be called into question. This doesn’t mean that salvation is earned by works, but that good works and spiritual growth are natural outcomes of a living faith.
Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches (John 15:1-8), explaining that He is the vine, and believers are the branches. Those who remain in Him will bear much fruit, but those who do not bear fruit are like branches that are cut off and thrown away.
It is not only in the autumn of the year, but perhaps more so in the autumn of our lives that we might be encouraged to examine our lives to see if we are producing fruit. This includes assessing whether we are growing in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
In essence, the concept of fruit-bearing in Christianity is a vital measure of one’s spiritual health and a reflection of our connection to Christ. Producing fruit involves growing in faith and obedience, serving others, and spreading the Gospel. As we enjoy our autumn, with the crisp cool mornings, maybe with a pumpkin spice beverage, let’s remember to give thanks to the God of our creation, the God who sustains us and ask for more opportunities to tell of His goodness, to serve others, and continue to grow in faith.