| Strength and Beauty |
Chapter 11 |
Page 5 |
This language intimates also that the great lesson was hard to learn. Contentment did not come naturally to him. It took him many years, well into old age, to grow into the sweet spirit. Young people, therefore, should not be discouraged if they cannot now have all the graces of gentleness, thoughtfulness, patience, and unselfishness which they see and admire so much in those who are older. The tree brings forth its fruit in its season. If only they abide in Christ, receiving from him the blessings of his love and grace, they will bring forth the ripe fruit in their season.
Some fruits do not ripen until the frosts come; some lives do not yield their richest and best character until the frosts of sorrow have fallen upon them. Many Christians go on through joyous days, amid prosperity, pure in motive, earnest in activity, yet not bringing forth the best fruits. By and by trouble comes, adversity, sorrow, loss; and under the keen frosts the fruit is ripened. After that they have a sweeter spirit, with more love for Christ, with deeper spirituality and a larger measure of consecration.
If we would bear fruit there is a condition we must observe – we must abide in Christ. The roots of our life must go down deep into his life as the roots of the tree penetrate the earth’s soil. We must live so that the blessings of God’s love shall reach us through our faith and through the word and Spirit of God. No Christian can be fruitful who does not receive from Christ, through the Holy Spirit, the divine grace and blessing. The tree must be planted by the streams of water.
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