Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness ~James 3:18
This week, as we continue to build a FaithStyled life, we will explore our fifth habit: Fruitfulness.
Not only are we are created in God’s image but we are called to be fruitful. We see this in the very first accounts written in the Bible: “God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth’ ” (Genesis 1:28a). This is often called the creation mandate which calls us to participate in God’s master plan: to fill the earth with His glory.
But how do we accomplish this? How do we answer the call to produce a harvest of good fruit?
We sow the seed God gives us. We work the ground on which He plants us. And then, He alone harvests the crop produced in us and through us.
Even so, this type of fruitfulness will not happen on its own. Living a fruitful life takes intentional effort, disciplined diligence, and a willingness to stay the course even when it gets hard.
For this reason, practicing diligence is the key to establishing fruitfulness as a habit.
Simply put, diligence is showing up and putting one foot in front of the other. Being mindful and intentional about keeping to task what God has called you to do in this season of life be it parenting, business or ministry, a project, even a relationship.
When we work to honor Him in that which is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, as Philippians 4:8 encourages, He brings forth a fruitful harvest through us and our efforts.
All the habits and practices we’ve studied the past few weeks—Discernment, Forgiveness, Intention, and Essentialism—build upon our great call to live a fruitful life. With this in mind, let’s work this week to be fruitful and sow the seed God has entrusted to us.
Be bold. Be brave. Be free.
Tell Me More:
- Is there an area of your life that God is calling you to be more fruitful?
- What seed has God given you to sow in this season?
- Identify one action step you can take to practice more disciplined diligence toward this goal?