“Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’ “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’”” Luke 13:6-9 NLT
An Awakening
This story is an awakening for any believer covered by the grace of Jesus and experiences God in their lives. We have an obligation to answer to God for every opportunity given to us. Knowing Jesus and serving him with our time, attention, and attitude is a privilege. We serve in joyful obedience to God, not drudgery. That is a life that produces fruit. With every blessing God gives, there is an expectation that we will offer a portion of this back to Him and serve his people around us. That is a fruit-producing life.
The Advantages of a Believer
This fig tree had many advantages, like being planted in a safe vineyard away from the weeds and nurtured in healthy soil (more than other fig trees that commonly grew outside of vineyards).
As a believer, we are fig trees with advantages like protection, provision, comfort, and nurturing. God planted us in good soil, rich with opportunities. We have supernatural privileges and powers that unbelievers don’t have. Therefore, our owner, who is God, expects fruit from all the advantages given and He comes looking for it in our lives. He seeks evidence of a life that lives the Truth they enjoy reading and finding comfort in. The fruit of being His light and love shows up in our thoughts, words, and actions.
The owner wasn’t asking for perfect fruit, “incredible” fruit, or even an abundance of fruit. He was looking for any fruit at all. He came back every year for three years and there was not a single piece of fruit. A fruitless tree is just taking up space.
If You’re Not Dead, You’re Not Done
Think about God’s patience for us as we reap the benefits of his kingdom, but show no fruit for it.
How many years has God come to us seeking fruit but has found none? Fruitfulness has no age limit. The Bible does not record the concept of retirement, where life slows down, is easy, relaxing, and filled with travel. If you’re not dead, you’re not done.
We want Jesus to find us useful, making a difference, staying active in ministry, with our families, and in life at home. The gifts we give and the influence we have will keep bearing fruit after we’re gone.
“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT
It would be a shame to be found simply taking up space that a more fruitful life could have made use of. The Bible says the judgments of God will cut barren lives down into the pit of hell.
The worker asked that the owner let him fertilize the tree. If it still bore no fruit next year, then he would cut it down. Jesus is our great intercessor continually standing in our place before God and his judgment and asking for more time, more mercy, and more chances to repent and produce fruit.
You’re Only As Good As The Fruit You Produce
A fig tree’s use depends on its bearing fruit. What use is a fruit tree that bears no fruit? So it is with our spiritual life. If good fruit is absent from a person’s life, we are just taking up space. Our Creator will bring judgment on a wasted life. Inner repentance leads us to external demonstrations of righteousness. Without visible fruit in our lives, professions of repentance are as good as a barren fig tree.
What are you trying to grow in your life? If life feels over for you, let’s look at what you most enjoy. How can you do that most enjoyable thing for the glory of God? What can you do to serve someone else in Jesus’ name (bring a meal, write a note or letter, send a care package, help on a project, run errands, babysit their children, etc.)? What can you do for your own family, your church, your neighbors, or for someone who God brings to mind?
Here are five ways to live a testimony that leaves a legacy that you can be proud of.
Lean In To God
We should pray and ask God what he would want us to do with our time each day. What meaningful ministry in our families, in the church, and in our neighborhoods can we lead or take part in? Ask for the eyes to see opportunities without judgment of what impact they might leave.
Look Around
Look for unmet needs in your surroundings. God places us in the state, city, community, neighborhood, family, and circle of friends. This is our designated mission field. We don’t have to look far to give and serve. Figure out ways to serve God today that will leave a testimony of His love, sacrifice, and service in the surrounding lives.
Learn & Train
What do you need to learn to do what you love to do? Can you get training or do you need to meet with someone about the opportunity? Meet with someone in the church, at your child’s school, with the PTA, in the HOA neighborhood group, with the city council, or with an event’s planning committee. Describe your gifts and desire to help. Could you read books on how to hone your skills and be better at the talent you want to share? Are there professional development groups, retreats, classes, or online courses you can take part in to propel your gifts even further?
Let Go
Surrender and serve in whatever capacity God has you in. Let go of preconceived ideas of what serving and sacrificing look like and allow God to use you in the mission field he has placed you in.
Write it down
Leave your testimony with generations to come by sharing your story and writing it down. Try journaling your experiences and where God showed up and showed off. Maybe write letters to your small children and grandchildren to read when they are old enough. Share your struggles and any scriptures that helped you out of a tough place.
My 2-year-old has 24 letters awaiting her when she is old enough to read them. These letters document my journey as a new mother, the struggles of parenting through turbulent times (Covid pandemic), and the hope I have found in Jesus. Each month, I detail new progress in her life and deeper spiritual growth in my own. I hope these letters will help my daughter on her own journey through life, as a believer, new mother, and woman of excellence blazing trails for the Lord.
God has something for you to do. He will give you the ideas and the strength to do it. He equips those He has called. We are never too old, or too young to serve the Lord. We simply need to stay committed to being the light of Jesus wherever we are.
‘And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.’ Philippians 1:6 NLT
‘And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.’ Romans 8:28-30 NLT
‘For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.’ Philippians 2:13 NLT
‘Now may the God of peace— who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood— may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.’ Hebrews 13:20-21 NLT
“I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” Isaiah 46:4 NLT