September 16

Bearing Fruit

"In order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way. Bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God." Colossians 1:10

That should be the goal of every Christian: to live a life worthy of the Lord, that we might please him in every way. The result will be that we will bear fruit in everything we do. We are so blessed to be called the children of God! As his grateful child, I seek to please him in all I do. I wish to see him smiling at me. I long to hear the words, "Well done! You have made me proud." When I am able to go about every duty in life, whether it is cleaning the floor, closing a deal at work or working in a hot kitchen at church, to his glory and honor, to give him pleasure, then I have succeeded in living a life worthy of the Lord. Doing the mundane to his glory brings fruit; abundant fruit. The more we seek to honor him in all areas of life, the more we become like our Lord Jesus, who sought to only do his Father's will. This will bring tremendous growth, but it will also bring us a greater understanding of who our Father is. We will see that he wants what is good for us, he wants us to grow, and he wants us to prosper. All these things come at a cost: self-denial exchanged for seeking him. But what a prize at the end of the road: a smiling Father with outstretched arms waiting to take us home!

Father, we are so grateful that you have showered us with your grace! You have taken us as your children, even though we are so unworthy. May all we do bring a smile to your face. May we look into your eyes and see that we have made you proud. May we live a life worthy of you. Help us to bear fruit for your glory and honor. And may we grow to know you better with each passing day. Amen