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THE BARREN FIG TREE
Then he told
this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and
he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to
the gardener, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for
fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why
should it be wasting the soil?’ He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone
for one more year, until I dig round it and put manure on it. If
it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut
it down.’ ”
The owner of the vineyard was displeased
with the barrenness of the fig tree, but the gardener encouraged
him to give it another chance. It needed something it was not
receiving ― steady and proper attention.
Most plantings require nourishment and
purposeful attention for good results. So it is also with the
growth of our faith life. As we profess our faith and strive to
live in such a way that our very lives reflect our faith, we
must apply the gardener’s suggestion.
We must nourish our faith, feed it with
prayer, study the scriptures, reflect on Christ’s example and
allow our faith to grow and flourish. Then our faith will bloom
and grow and sustain us when we lean even more on the love and
support of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Dear and Gracious Lord, be with us as we
study your word. Grant that we apply what we learn to live our
lives in a way that is pleasing to you and an example to others.
Amen
Lotus Gerards
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