Living on Mission: Faith, Service, and Spiritual Fruit

In a world that often prioritizes self-interest and personal gain, we are called to a higher purpose – one that puts faith, service, and spiritual growth at the forefront of our lives. This transformative journey begins with a simple yet profound act: giving thanks for the faith of others.
When was the last time you paused to acknowledge and appreciate the faith of those around you? In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to overlook the spiritual journeys of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Yet, taking the time to recognize and express gratitude for their faith can be a powerful catalyst for mutual encouragement and growth.
This practice of thankfulness isn't just a nice gesture – it's a reflection of genuine faith in action. It prompts us to examine our own faith: Is it authentic? Do we turn to God's truth or our own version of it? These questions lead us to consider how we live out our faith in practical ways, such as our commitment to church attendance.
While salvation comes through Jesus alone and not through church attendance, the Bible is clear about the importance of gathering together as believers. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us, "not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." This isn't just about following rules; it's about understanding that Jesus loves the church and died for it. If we truly love Jesus, we must also love what He loves – including His church.
Many believers struggle with church attendance, citing the need to recharge, reset, or rest. However, when we approach church and other spiritual gatherings with a heart to serve God and others, rather than to simply receive, we often find that God multiplies our energy and refreshes us in unexpected ways. It's a beautiful paradox – in giving of ourselves, we receive far more than we could have imagined.
This principle of selfless service is beautifully illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). In this story, Jesus challenges us to expand our understanding of who our neighbor is and how we should treat them. The Samaritan, despite cultural and religious differences, showed compassion to a stranger in need. He didn't just offer a quick prayer or token gesture – he went above and beyond, providing practical help and ongoing care.
This parable invites us to examine our own hearts and actions. Do we truly put others first, regardless of the cost to ourselves? Or do we, like the priest and Levite in the story, pass by on the other side, making excuses or judgments about those in need?
As followers of Christ, we are called to judge fruit, both in our own lives and in the lives of others – not to condemn, but to discern. Matthew 7:15-20 teaches us to recognize false prophets by their fruits, reminding us that a good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor a bad tree good fruit. This principle applies to all believers – we will be known by the fruit we bear.
Galatians 5:16-24 provides a clear contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. The works of the flesh include things like sexual immorality, idolatry, hatred, and jealousy. In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As believers, we are called to crucify the flesh with its passions and desires, allowing the Holy Spirit to produce good fruit in our lives.
This fruit-bearing isn't optional – every believer will produce fruit of some kind. The question is, what kind of fruit are we producing? Are we consistently exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit, or do we find ourselves falling back into the works of the flesh? Regular self-examination and seeking feedback from trusted fellow believers can help us stay on track.
As we grow in faith and bear good fruit, we discover that we are uniquely gifted and called by God for specific purposes. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Each believer has been given spiritual gifts to carry out their God-given mission.
These gifts, outlined in passages like 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. While not an exhaustive list, it illustrates the diverse ways God equips His people for service. As we grow in our faith, our gifts may evolve, always aligning with the works God has prepared for us.
The question then becomes: Are we living on mission? Are we eagerly seeking out and carrying out the works God has prepared for us? Are we designing our lives around God's purposes rather than our own?
Living this way requires a shift in perspective. Instead of viewing church, Bible study, or acts of service as burdens or boxes to check, we can see them as opportunities to fulfill our calling and experience the joy of partnering with God in His work. When we approach these activities with a heart to serve and glorify God, we often find ourselves recharged and renewed, even when physically tired.
This mission-focused life isn't always easy. There will be obstacles and challenges. But as we persist in faith, serving others and bearing good fruit, we participate in a beautiful cycle of mutual encouragement. As we serve others, we are served. As we strengthen others' faith, our own faith is strengthened.
In a world that often promotes self-centeredness, we are called to a radically different way of living. By cultivating thankfulness for others' faith, committing to regular fellowship, serving selflessly, bearing good fruit, and living out our unique calling, we can experience the fullness of life that God intends for us. This is not just about personal fulfillment – it's about being part of God's grand plan to redeem and restore the world.
So let us examine our hearts, our actions, and our fruit. Let us eagerly seek out the good works God has prepared for us. And let us encourage one another in this journey of faith, knowing that as we do, we are fulfilling our highest calling and bringing glory to our Creator.