The Fruits of Choice: Insights from Sacred Texts (03/11/'24) - Statement

The Fruits of Choice: Insights from Sacred Texts The narrative of the Barren Fig Tree, along with profound insights on the nature of choice and consequence, weaves a rich tapestry that sheds light on spiritual truths. These passages reveal the inseparable nature of actions and their inherent outcomes, offering a deep reflection on the spiritual and ethical dimensions of our lives. In the tale of the Barren Fig Tree, expectation meets reality when a figure, in search of sustenance, approaches a fig tree adorned with leaves but finds it devoid of fruit. This scenario, detailed in the Gospels (Mark 11:13-14; Matthew 21:19-19; Luke 13:6-9), serves as a powerful metaphor for the superficial appearances that can deceive, highlighting that true value and productivity lie in what we genuinely produce, not merely in what we appear to offer. This metaphor extends to the teachings of Luke 6:43-45, which articulate the principle that a good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree is recognized by its own fruit; figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor grapes picked from a bramble bush. The heart's abundance speaks through the mouth, revealing that the essence of our actions and words stems from our inner being. This teaching underscores the congruence between our inner state and outward actions, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a virtuous inner self to bear good fruit in the world. Parallel to these narratives is the stark reminder of the immutable law of choice and consequence. We are free to make decisions, yet we cannot escape the outcomes of those choices. This principle is starkly portrayed in the reminders that "DEATH IS THE WAGES OF SIN" (Romans 6:23) and "THE STING OF DEATH IS SIN" (1 Corinthians 15:56). These passages invite a contemplation on the spiritual repercussions of our actions, reflecting on the complex relationship humans have with sin and its consequences. Integrating these teachings, we perceive a profound message: individuals may present an appearance of righteousness or productivity but lack genuine substance in the absence of fruitful actions, akin to the barren fig tree. Similarly, the liberty of choice carries the weight of its consequences, a spiritual law that echoes through our lives. The emphasis on the outcomes of sin, represented through the metaphor of death and its sting, serves as a poignant reminder of the intrinsic link between our actions, their spiritual outcomes, and the importance of nurturing a good heart to produce good fruit. These insights encourage a deeper reflection on spiritual living and ethical conduct, highlighting not just the freedom of choice but the responsibility it entails. Through understanding these sacred texts, we are invited to live with authenticity, productivity, and spiritual integrity, navigating life's complexities with a profound awareness of the spiritual dimensions that underpin our choices and their consequences. Pastor Steve G. Lee (March 11, 2024)