When we come to saving knowledge of Christ, it is a given that we are transformed into blessed and fruitful people. The power of Jesus' name does not bring a spirit of timidity or complacency, but one of purpose and action.
Fourteen times in the book of Genesis, God commanded someone to be fruitful. It started with Adam and carried on to all His descendants. God has always desired that the lives His people live here on earth be meaningful and productive. That's why barrenness, famine and laziness are considered curses to God- because they go against the very fabric of His purpose which always leads to good fruits.
Acts 14:16-17 tells us, "In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness." God's blessing always brings forth fruitfulness whether in the form of provision, profession, character building or spiritual empowerment.
In God's character is one that brings forth good fruits. It's almost a given that as we grow in God, we grow in our jobs, our family relationships, our character and in every other area of our lives. We become more loving, patient, persevering and successful in Jesus. Psalm 105:24 declares, "And the Lord made his people very fruitful and made them stronger than their foes." The presence of Jesus will always lead us to fruitfulness.
That's why it matters for a Christian if no good fruit comes out of their life. That's what James meant when He said in James 2:20, "Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?" If faith comes out fruitless, then it is not genuine faith but only lip service. God is not a God who gives lip service, but one who brings freedom from sin, progress in our walk in Him and power to serve Him.
Now the rate of progress will not always be as fast as we desire for it to be. It may take some people more time to be rid of sinful desires, to find God's will for their lives or to experience the power to be a witness. So many people look to much at the fruits and very little at the Christ who gives fruits and that too is just as dangerous or if not even more dangerous than avoiding fruits.
Matthew 13:23 tells us, "As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty." God calls us only to be good soils ready to be implanted with His words and promises as we continue to seek out Jesus in a relationship and let Him work miracles in our lives.
A relationship with Jesus will always consequently cause us to be fruitful in many area of our lives because He brings enabling grace that empowers us to live Godly and productive lives.
