On Sunday, I was encouraged by the testimony of Albert Tai in how he did the right thing and followed his convictions. I’m sure that we can think of many times in our lives where we accidentally did something or made a mistake and could easily “get away with it” or sweep it under the rug and no one would know. But Albert demonstrated the costs it sometimes takes to live a life of fruitfulness.
Although it cost Albert $600 to repair the damages of the car or “having one less vacation,” the real cost was his peace of mind. He shared that he couldn’t sleep for 2 nights because he was convicted by what he had done and something in him was unsettled. If he did not confess and seek reparations, who knows how many sleepless nights he would have had. It might have even spilled over into his vacation time.
The scripture tells us:
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
– Micah 6:8 (NIV)
Albert was simply following what the Lord required of him and of all of us: to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.
Albert’s testimony reminded me that to be fruitful in this season will cost us something. It may cost us our time, talents and even our treasures.
The scripture tells us:
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.
– 1 Corinthians 3:6-8 (NIV)
Although it is God that makes everything grow, it is up to us to plant the seeds that have been given to us and to water them with care. Planting and watering takes effort. It takes time and energy and it will cost you when you feel short on both but the reward for being faithful with the few surpasses anything we could imagine. When we are fruitful we get to experience the fruit of the Spirit in a tangible way.
Albert’s obedience to the conviction of the Holy Spirit cost him $600 and 2 sleepless nights but he was rewarded with the fruit of the spirit.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
– Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
Father, I ask that you would strengthen us in this season of Fruitfulness. Help us to follow your ways and be obedient to your Holy Spirit convictions. May we learn to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with you. Help us to focus our eyes on you Jesus and remember the price you paid on the cross for our sins. Give us willing hearts to do your will. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen!