What Does God Want From Us?

I tweeted the other day that the fig tree was cursed because it did not produce and that we needed to be productive in this new year of 2013 for His kingdom!  This really got me wondering what God really expects from us.  I think we all struggle with what is good and acceptable, what is our reasonable service, what we are doing with our talents, and to whom much is given, much is required. 

So, what is required from us in our walk with God?

The first rendering of Jesus cursing the fig tree is in Matthew.  He is walking along hungry and sees a fig tree with no fruit on it and curses it by saying, “Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever.”  And then the fig tree withers away right before the disciple’s eyes.  The fig tree looked good because the scripture said that it had leaves on it.  It looked alive and healthy but it was not doing what it was made to do and that was to reproduce the fig.

The second rendering of the fig tree being cursed, Jesus is speaking in a parable and the dresser of the vineyard has looked for fruit on the fig tree for 3 years and he finds none.  He says, “Cut it down, why cumbereth it the ground?”  In other words, why are we letting this take up space and use good soil?   This is pretty hard hitting to us as born-again Christians!

I don’t think we have to expound on this!  It seems to me to be pretty plainly spoken.  We may look like a Christ-follower but we cannot only be a hearer of the Word, we must be a doer! 

How can I be a doer?  We can be fruitful by telling people about the goodness of the Lord and compelling them to come in but also by using our talents in our churches.  Is there a Sunday school class that needs a teacher?  Does our church have enough greeters to give a smile and welcome new guests into the house of God?  Does the media team have enough people to help make our webcast the best it can be and minister to people that may never walk through our church doors?  Does the children’s ministry need help to make sure our children grow up to live for the Lord?  Does the choir and praise team need others to help create an atmosphere for guests to receive the Lord?  What about ushers, connect team, sound team, youth workers, bus ministry, hospital visitation, teaching Bible studies, mentoring and counseling, or the follow-up team who continues to call the people who have visited the church?  I could go on and on about things that need to be done.  All of these things work together to help bring people to God. 

Jesus really does not give us a choice in this!  We must reproduce!  I will leave you with this scripture.   In Col. 1:10 it says, “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.”  I challenge you to find a place in your church that you can work for His Kingdom that “ye might walk worthy of the Lord and please Him.”

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Jeanna Macey is married to Pastor Ron Macey. She is the Chorale Director for Royalwood and serves as Advisor to Royalwood's various ladies ministries. Follow Jeanna Macey  on Twitter