WEDNESDAY May 6, 2020
Christian Fruitfulness
Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.
Romans 1:13
Paul reminded the believers in Rome for a second time that he desired to come to them. Even though Paul was hindered for a time in traveling to Rome, he was determined to see them. He never gave up. He greatly desired that they would mature and become fruitful through the gospel message and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Paul knew that these things would cause them to move into the next level of ministry.
What is the desire of a true shepherd for the sheep? A pastor’s desire is to see people walking in truth and for them to bring forth spiritual fruit––productivity. Christians should grow and become productive. What breaks a shepherd’s heart? It is to see a believer become unfruitful––this saddens a pastor’s heart. It hurts to see people who have unfruitful lives. The signs of unfruitfulness become obvious in their lives, but they will not correct the issues hindering their spiritual growth.
Pastors will ask people how they are doing spiritually. They often reply they are fine. Yet how many times is their answer just a front because inwardly they are really struggling in their walk with God? They are in desperate need of prayer, encouragement and even a word of exhortation. It is important to understand that Christians need each other. We cannot progress without fellowship and godly accountability.
The way of the cross is still the pain-wracked path to spiritual power and fruitfulness.
~A W. Tozer~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!