So the church…enjoyed peace [without persecution], being built up [in wisdom, virtue, and faith];
and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort and encouragement of the Holy Spirit,
it continued to grow [in numbers].
(Acts 9:31 AMP)
There was once a beautiful fruit tree planted in the middle of a vast field of fruit trees. Most of the rest of the trees in the field had flowers of a lovely white-pink color, but this one and a few others scattered about the field bloomed beautiful but distinct hot-pink flowers. The orchard farmer told the storyteller that the distinct trees were vitally important to the field, as without them, there would be no pollination and, therefore, no fruit.
In the Church we must have “pollinators” or we will have no “fruit.”
We must have leaders who rightly preach and teach the Word of God, encouraging others to grow in faith and in deed. We must have courageous people who will stand in the sea of “normal” trees and boldly look different. We must be people who know that God purposed to bring glory to himself through each of us – no matter the color of our flowers – and we are each needed to produce fruit.
God,
We seek your presence and favor so that you can open doors for us that no one can shut. Let we who are “unqualified” be used mightily for your purposes. Give us your wisdom and clarity so that we are wiser than those around us. And may we be surrounded by other “pink tree” encouragers who will show up for each other when we walk through the fire or travel through the valley of the shadow of death. Holy Spirit, guide us and lead us to be strong and courageous. Help us to always know that you our God has a purpose and plan for our lives, holds us in the palms of his hands, and loves us deeply. We ask in Jesus’s name, AMEN.
Therefore produce fruit that is worthy of [and consistent with your] repentance [that is, live changed lives, turn from sin and seek God and His righteousness]. (Luke 3:8 AMP)
Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that continues to bear fruit, He [repeatedly] prunes, so that it will bear more fruit [even richer and finer fruit]…Remain in Me, and I [will remain] in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself without remaining in the vine, neither can you [bear fruit, producing evidence of your faith] unless you remain in Me. (John 15:2, 4 AMP)