Nougat 12

Back home in Jamaica, my entire denomination is reflecting on the theme of ‘Rootedness’. And of course, the analogy is connected to plants, fruit bearing trees, etc. In today’s Holy Nougat, the image is there also. Can you make the connection?

“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.” ‭‭James‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Everyone knows, despite 3D technology, fruits don’t grow overnight or without some kind of plant to support their growth. Except Fruit of the Loom (which is metaphorical), and the Fruit of God’s Spirit. Even when used metaphorically, there is an element of the fruit originating from a ‘parent’ plant. So, the fruit from the loom is underwear, as ‘loom’ is the instrument that weavers used for things such as underwear and socks.

In the case of the Fruit of God’s Spirit however, it is a Fruit. For Jesus, we will remember, is the True Vine. And with Jesus, Elohim and the Spirit of God being One, we see the fruit is manifested wherever Jesus is invited to dwell and God’s Spirit given full authority. We have reflected on that fruit before, so let’s keep our focus on Wisdom.

You might note that there is somewhat of a difference between Wisdom and other fruits. Wisdom does not grow from a literal plant; nor from a loom. And while it may bear similarity to the Fruit of God’s Spirit; it has its own distinctiveness:

Good Deeds!

Good Deeds is the plant that brings forth Wisdom in due season. Although not done consciously; Good Deeds are somewhat premeditated. It is a choice. We can decide to opt against doing something good, especially when we have been wronged, or are in a situation that isn’t truly our business. Many of us have also become indifferent to what happens around us; and Good Deeds cannot flourish.

If Good Deeds are choices we make, as I proposed, then over time we are likely to a) note patterns and/or b) seek ways to simplify the process. And that’s where Godly Wisdom flourishes. Just like Rahab and Abigail.

We don’t often see Rahab as wise; for we are often blinded by her ascribed title. Some scholars argue that she was an inn keeper. Whether inn keeper or harlot; she chose to do a good deed for the Israelite spies (Joshua 2); because she believed that they were God’s anointed. She also realized that that choice had the potential to make her life simpler. Acting solely on Faith (ie without proof of the men’s honor), she supported the spies to her and her family’s advantage (see Joshua 6).

Conversely, we are told that Abigail had a foolish (read arrogant and very wealthy) husband (1 Samuel 25-27). He deemed it beneath him to assist David, the fugitive king. Perhaps it was about loyalty to Saul; or maybe he was just plain evil; but operatively, his decision was also against God because David was God’s anointed king. Abigail, like Rahab, made the Good Deed choice. She recognized that David was God’s anointed. (She was also trying to avoid a war, and no one can argue with that logic).

Those of us who are apathetic to what is happening around us would have missed the opportunity that our Good Deeds offered. Proverbs 1:29 clearly states, ”… they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord.” There is a link between knowledge and our choice about our relationship with God. Inasmuch as Wisdom is the Fruit of the Choice of Good Deeds, and Wisdom is the outworking or application of Knowledge; then Wisdom is a Fruit as well as it is a Gift from God’s Spirit.

We have a choice to make – will we opt for Good Deeds or Apathy?

Selah

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May all we seek be found in Christ