Imagine you have two apple trees in your backyard. One is nourished, well-tended, and produces vibrant, juicy apples. The other is neglected, produces shriveled, brown apples that no one wants to eat.
Both trees are in the same orchard, but their fruit tells a different story.
In Romans 6, Paul grapples with essential questions about sin, grace, and the spiritual life. He starts by asking, “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” (Romans 6:1) and later adds, “What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace?” (Romans 6:15).
These questions echo in our lives as we navigate our relationship with God. Just like the two apple trees, our actions bear fruit.
Consider the king’s son. Whether he listens to his father or not, he remains a child of the king. Yet, when he follows his father’s instructions, he lives a life that’s much more blessed, fulfilling, and aligned with his purpose.
Similarly, once we accept Christ as our Savior, we are always God’s children, but our lives are more enriched when we adhere to our Heavenly Father’s commands.
“What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.” Romans 6:21-22
When we follow the desires of our flesh, the fruit we reap leads to shame and death. On the other hand, when we yield ourselves to the Spirit, the fruit we cultivate is one of joy, peace, and eternal life in those we come in contact with.
