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As Christians, we need to be striving for holiness. We can learn a lot about pursuing holiness by looking at apple orchards and pursuing a delicious apple.
Avoid the Frost
Many areas in Wisconsin (Door County, Mequon) have phenomenal apple orchards due to their proximity to Lake Michigan, which prevents spring frost from killing the blossoms. In areas that receive a spring frost, the trees still look beautiful, but they do not produce FRUIT that year.
As Christians, we need to make sure we are not straying far from God. We need keep close to Him. One way to do this is to be worshipping God in all circumstances.
Jesus healed ten lepers, yet only returned to thank Jesus:
“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?’ ” Luke 17:15-18
It is so easy to be like the nine lepers and take things for granted. Make sure to be praising God.
Avoid Soft & Mushy Apples
When you pick an apple to eat, you want to make sure it is firm and not soft. You most likely want an apple off the tree and not one that has fallen to the ground because it can bruised up. Likewise, as Christians, we need to remain firm in Christ.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5-8
Our walk with God will become soft and mushy if we stray from the source. We must be in His Word. Are you listening to messages that feel good but are not in line with the Word of God?
We become soft when we sit too long and don’t do something with the gifts we’ve been given. When we remain firm in Christ, we WILL bear much fruit. When was the last time you were bold enough to proclaim the good news of Jesus? If it has been a while, you might be growing soft and mushy.
Taste It!
The final test to see if you have a good apple is to taste it!
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” Psalm 34:7-10
We need to remember that God is protecting us. Seek Him and Him alone. Be in His Word, prayer & worship him. Connect with Him. Cry out to Him.