Treasure!

Treasure!

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. Luke 6:45 KJV

For all who are engaged in agriculture, particularly around the planting of trees that produce fruit, the desire for good fruit must push you to find good seed. The foundation for good fruit is good seed. You cannot settle for just any kind of seed, unless you are not really bothered about the quality and quantity of the seed you desire. Of course, it is also important to note that it is the kind of fruit you desire that drives you to seek the kind of seed that will lead to that fruit. I cannot desire oranges and be seeking for corn seeds. The expectation of fruit drives the pursuit for seed. What is it that I desire as fruits from my life? Am I content with just about anything proceeding out of my life, or am I deliberate about the seed that goes into my life, so that I can produce good fruit? 

In the event that it was not clear the first time, please note: Jesus was speaking here to his disciples, not to the crowd. Knowing and following Jesus are fundamental requirements to the end result described in today's extract. The crowd and multitude will struggle with it, because its demands are unique. If I want good fruit, I will also be careful about weeds, bugs, too much water, fertilizer and other things. I must cultivate the land carefully, plant the seed at the right time, and provide it with nutrients and protection, so that it can lead to good fruit. I do not plant and go to sleep;  there are other people who are waiting for the smallest evidence of growth to pluck it out and sometimes go and re-plant elsewhere, or simply destroy out of spite. 

When you see a life produce good fruit, it is because there has been investment in the seed; it does not happen automatically. There is no magic to good fruit; just dedication to duty, and constant attention to what happens to the seed. The seed is the Word of God; and its impact on my heart defines what my life produces. I do not get to be called 'good' unless and until the quality of my fruit is seen. Until I open my heart, life and lips, there is no way to determine the quality of my fruit. The mouth cannot speak of that which has not been first cultivated and nurtured in the heart. This is why the Word of God warns me to guard my heart with all diligence; from it proceeds the issues of life, and of course, of death. What am I cultivating at the moment?

My heart is like a storehouse; during my lifetime, a lot of things will pass through it. Some will touch very briefly; others will find a place of abode. Some will remain on the periphery, seeking opportunities such as anxiety or fear to penetrate. I cannot produce that which has not yet been cultivated; I cannot give what I do not have. That which men see, hear or read of me is the mirror into my heart. For a child of God, it has to be the right stuff; I have to look, sound and appear like one who has the seed of God living in him. I take stock again today; what is the state of my heart? What seeds am I cultivating? If I were to be forced to eat the fruit of my own life, will I relish or hate it? God's time of favour is here.