By nature, I like to see the fruit of my labor. I like to get things done. I like to turn around after my journey and see the things I have built. I feel like a solid Christian. When I think about my legacy, I immediately think of the tangible fruit I will leave behind. That is how I am wired.

However, God is after faithfulness. Check out Hebrews 11, commonly referred to as the “faith hall of fame.” (That description always bothered me, by the way, as faith is a gift). Just read how each verse begins.

4 It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did.

5 It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying — ”he disappeared, because God took him.”

6 And it is impossible to please God without faith.

7 It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood.

8 It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance.

11 It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise.

Over and over, the people mentioned in Hebrews 11 are commended for their faith, not their fruit. All of the fruit is preceded by great faith. If you continue reading in Hebrews 11, you see that people are commended for dying for their faith, seemingly with no fruit. The point is FAITH, not FRUIT.

The awesome thing: fruit always follows faithfulness. The fruit may not be a tangible project or ministry or building or business. The fruit may be faithfully making disciples at home, day after day. The fruit may be quietly walking through a difficult time with someone. That type of fruit will last forever.

Live faithfully today.

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1

Follow my blog.