The first basket is “no fruit.” We will spend much time here because I think this is currently the level of way too many Christians, and it is leading to many not living the Abundant Life both God, and they, desire. They have come to Christ and sincerely surrendered their lives to Him, but they get stuck here and do not move forward in their journey with Christ. I call these “Baby Christians” because they are either new to the Faith, or they have not yet begun to live victoriously in the Faith. These believers are alive inside, but stuck in their old ways because, perhaps no one has ever told them there is so much more to being a Christian. Becoming born again is only the first step towards the Abundant Life. These can be believers, but they have not yet begun to follow Jesus because they have simply added Jesus to their old life, instead of growing in Him to live the New Life.
I want to make three very important points here. First, we are not saved by our fruit! We are only saved by Grace through Faith, period. (see Eph 2:8-9) There is nothing you or I can DO to be saved. It is a gift from our very Forgiving, Loving, Gracious God, period.
Second: sadly, some will judge those in this stage as not being saved at all, which only makes the journey that much more difficult for these Baby Christians… while making it a whole lot more fun for the enemy, who will be happy to make these doubt that anything has changed at all. These are the brothers and sisters any maturing Christians should be wrapping ourselves around. So instead of judging and burdening their hearts with questions about their Salvation, what we should do is encourage these to continue to seek God and grow to learn how to imitate our Lord, more and more.
Third point: God wants to set us free, so if you are in this level, please understand that, whatever is holding you back from growing, is controlling you. Whether this is an addiction, old friends that want nothing to do with God, or even you refusing to read the Bible, (see Pride here), you are a slave to all these because they are directing your choices and actions. We are supposed to be led by the Holy Spirit, more and more, but if we are following these old things instead? How can we grow to bear more fruit for God’s Glory? And how can we experience more of this Abundant Life He desires for us?
Keep running to God and keep growing…
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
<>< Peace, Diane
