First, it should be noted for clear understanding that a fig tree actually bears its fruit before its leaves appear. In the early stages, that fruit is green and as the leaves come out it blends in with them almost seamlessly. From a distance, it is impossible to ascertain whether or not fruit is actually present, but a weary traveler would simply assume the tree has something refreshing to offer him if he sees it is full of green leaves. In this case, as purposefully recorded in Scripture, Jesus and His disciples had made that very assumption as they spotted the leafy tree from a distance. They approached it believing that they would find some nourishment to aide them in their journey from Bethany to Jerusalem. When Christ discovered there was no fruit on the tree, He pronounced a judgment against it ("cursed" it), and the tree withered and died as a result.
Believers should take special note of this passage of Scripture and understand that when we claim to know Jesus Christ it is expected that we will bear the fruit of the Spirit which should be living within us. Going to church on Sunday morning, dropping a few extra coins in the offering plate, or even helping out occasionally with a church sponsored activity (when it doesn't interfere with something else we'd rather be doing) is not an indication of spiritual fruit in our life. Religious profession and observances are not enough to guarantee our salvation. If we have truly repented of our past lives and offered our heart to Jesus, the Holy Spirit enters in and begins to produce His fruits of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (self-restraint). Although many profess to be followers of Christ, not everyone who claims the label "Christian" will produce the fruits of believing fully in Jesus and following in His footsteps.
God expects Christians to bear fruit. James 2:14, 24, 26 tell us, "What is the use (profit), my brethren, for anyone to profess to have faith if he has no [good] works [to show for it]? Can [such] faith save [his soul]? You see that a man is justified (pronounced righteous before God) through what he does and not alone through faith [through works of obedience as well as by what he believes]. For as the human body apart from the spirit is lifeless, so faith apart from [its] works of obedience is also dead." It is easy for someone to claim to be a follower of Jesus. It is easy to blend right into the crowd of Christians around us. From a distance, those looking at us might easily assume that we are bearing fruit in our lives consistent with all we profess to believe. However, upon closer examination (as they begin to know us at a deeper level) will those observers find us without fruit and unable to offer them any spiritual nourishment for their journey? Just as the fig tree in this account of Scripture had run out of time to produce that which it was created to offer, we also will run out of time in this life. If all we've ever done is give outward indications of productivity without truly developing any spiritual fruit in our life, we will be judged accordingly when our time to face Jesus comes.
It is important to note here that the Apostle Paul clearly stated, "For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8) Our salvation does not come from anything we ourselves are able to do. However, those who are truly saved and who have turned their lives over to the leading and control of the Holy Spirit cannot help but desire to produce fruit in keeping with their Savior's example. Through that fruit others will be served and spiritually nourished for their own journey. The work we do for the Lord is a clear indication of the level of obedience we are willing to show and the beliefs we hold in our heart.
As we approach the New Year, I encourage you to discover your Spiritual Gifts (and yes, every believer possesses at least one gift) and develop them so that you might use them for service to God. Look for ways to make a difference for the Kingdom in the here and now. Don't just blend in with the crowd. Don't choose the label "Christian" for outward appearances alone. Anyone can call himself a believer, but the proof of that will clearly be seen by the fruit he produces in his life.
"For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time}, that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]."
(Ephesians 2:10, The Amplified Bible)
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