From Boredom to a Fruitful Life

Number 27 in the series “God Rocks: 101 Amazing Everyday Gifts!” Stories and promises of the awesome blessings God gives us each day. I hope it encourages you today!

To be honest I find most churches boring.

I know that seems odd coming from an ex-pastor. Yet, I found seminary and pastor’s conferences to be even worse.

Photo Credit: Julie Falk

I can be a bit irreverent towards institutional religion. Talking about stuff that really helps no one I find detached and wastes time.

All the long faces and serious theological discussions just tees me up to say something off kilter to get a response.

But the real problem I see is so many people attending those churches live bored unproductive lives. Just going through the motions putting up with life until Jesus beams them up.

And so many people outside the church look on and with good reason say, “No thanks.”

That’s the real shame because I believe God intended this life to be powerful, productive and exciting.

Jesus promised that. He said, “A healthy tree bears good fruit, but a poor tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a poor tree cannot bear good fruit.” (Matthew 7: 17-18 GNT)

He’s saying when we’re spiritually healthy we not only live fruitful lives but we can’t help but be fruitful. Now that’s what I want.

How do you have that health and fruitfulness?

In the same way we enter into the relationship with him. Simply by expecting him to bless us with what he promises.

What does that fruitfulness look like?

I’ve seen it in many people. Unfortunately not enough.

Often they have trouble fitting into churches. They tend not to be content to sit on the sidelines but they also make waves. They step on traditionalist’s toes as they try to change the status quo and make the church more effective.

They’re successful in their careers and bring that same dynamic to the organizations they get involved in. They know where they’re going and figure out ways to get there. Often they break new ground doing it.

For many it translates into a certain amount of financial abundance which they share freely with organizations that make a difference. So they see their lives impact countless others.

And strangely far from being aloof and defensive they’re often some of the most inclusive people I’ve ever met once you get to know them.

They live amazing lives and bring fruitfulness where ever they’re involved. Frankly, that drives me.

Boredom or fruitfulness we get to choose.

Have you ever seen a really fruitful person you want to emulate?

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