On Being Fruitful

In the Gospel reading for Lent 3 this year (Luke 13:1-9), Jesus tells a parable about a fig tree that has not borne fruit. The message of the parable is about the mercy of God even when that mercy is not deserved. Nevertheless, the parable raises the question about whether or not we are bearing fruit in our lives as followers of Jesus. In what ways does our lifestyle and practice embody Christ? When we fail in our efforts, are we ready to cut the tree down or do we find that God’s mercy is for us as well as for others?

The first paragraph of the Basis of Union reminds us that the churches which entered into the Uniting Church were “seeking to bear witness to that unity which is both Christ’s gift and will for the Church”. It acknowledges “God’s gifts of grace to each of them in years past” and the fact “that none of them has responded to God’s love with a full obedience”. Nevertheless, in entering into union, they looked “for a continuing renewal in which God will use their common worship, witness and service to set forth the word of salvation for all people”.

Christian people usually work hard to worship, witness to and serve God; but sometimes, the work gets in the way. All too readily our human limitations send us to recriminations and self-loathing. Recognising our humanity before God is not about telling ourselves our bad we are; but about reminding ourselves how good and gracious God is.

Para. 1 of the Basis of Union ends:

To this end they declare their readiness to go forward together in sole loyalty to Christ the living Head of the Church; they remain open to constant reform under his Word; and they seek a wider unity in the power of the Holy Spirit. In this union these Churches commit their members to acknowledge one another in love and joy as believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, to hear anew the commission of the Risen Lord to make disciples of all nations, and daily to seek to obey his will. In entering into this union the Churches concerned are mindful that the Church of God is committed to serve the world for which Christ died, and that it awaits with hope the day of the Lord Jesus Christ on which it will be clear that the kingdom of this world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of the Christ, who shall reign for ever and ever.

Despite and because of who we are, we are called to be the people of God where we are—sinking down roots and stretching our branches to the sky in preparation for the fruit which will come in God’s good time.