AVAAT

A VERSE AT A TIME

TOPIC: FRUIT OF OUR LIFESTYLE

TEXT: PROVERBS 1:29-33

KEY VERSE: They will eat the fruit of their lifestyle. They will be stuffed with their own schemes. Proverbs 1:31(GW)

Each seed we plant can bear fruit beyond our imagination. Whether it’s the seeds of our choices or our lifestyle, we will reap what we have sown in abundance. I define lifestyle as how a person lives, including habits, attitudes, behaviours, and beliefs. Personal values, societal norms, and religious/spiritual beliefs shape it. A healthy and fulfilling lifestyle for a Christian involves aligning one’s actions with godly values and reflecting God’s love and grace.

Have you considered your choices as seeds that will return to you as harvest? Are you aware that habits in your childhood add up to the quality of life you have as an adult and influence your children, too? The wise man says you will eat the fruit of your lifestyle. A selfish parent will enjoy the fruit of their choices later in life because our children are the soil we sow on. 

Every heart schemes to have its way; our sinful nature, which reflects our heredity and nurture, influences our desires, appetites, and lusts. As new believers in Christ who understand the principle of fruit-bearing, God expects us to put those evil desires to death just as we weed our gardens. It is important to avoid excusing bad habits and negative attitudes by blaming others and claiming that they are beyond your control. Doing so can increase their frequency and severity, similar to how a single seed can produce thousands of fruits over its lifetime.

So put to death and deprive of power the evil longings of your earthly body [with its sensual, self-centred instincts] immorality, impurity, sinful passion, evil desire, and greed, which is [a kind of] idolatry [because it replaces your devotion to God]. Colossians 3:5(AMP)

Similar to how a seed has the potential to multiply, our flesh can carry out evil desires. But, if we surrender to the Holy Spirit and follow the teachings of the Word of God, we can weaken the power of the flesh and live by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus taught about the consequences of giving the flesh what it always wants, said: “If your right-hand makes you stumble and leads you to sin, cut it off and throw it away [that is, remove yourself from the source of temptation]; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” Matthew 5:30(AMP)

Attitudes are a much-neglected part of our lifestyle, which impacts our productivity at work, business and ministry. The attitudes of nurturing friendships, socializing, and showing kindness are like seeds that we plant and will eventually bear fruit in our lives. As we invest in building strong relationships and being kind to others, we are sowing seeds that will bring a harvest of joy, love, and support in the future. When people live without passion, they never fully maximize their potential because passion is the energy that helps us overcome limitations and obstacles.  Several individuals received God’s favour and mercy because of their zeal. Jesus required zeal to fulfil God’s will. He desires individuals who, like him, will be enthusiastic about doing good, not passive or laid-back.

Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.Titus 2:14(ESV)

Our values shape our eating and spending habits. We get stuffed up with a harvest of things that become idols. Examining our thoughts and actions with the scriptures can ensure they align with godly principles. Prioritizing health, productivity, and financial responsibility can lead to intentional choices that benefit ourselves and the kingdom. Commit to a fulfilling and meaningful lifestyle by making conscious and deliberate choices.

Above all, be careful what you think because your thoughts control your life. Proverbs 4:23(ERV) 

Reflection Questions

1. What revelations has God shown you about yourself? 
2. What areas of your life are you dissatisfied with? 
3. What steps will you take to bring about change starting today?
4.  Compare Proverbs 4:23 in multiple translations; what does it reveal about the human heart?

Photo by Sweet Life on Unsplash