“For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.”
Colossians 3:3 (NLT)
What does dying to this life mean? I can’t talk like I used to? I have to control my anger? I can’t gossip? Is following Jesus about all “I can’t”?
Our real life with Jesus is not of this world. It is a life that is secured and hidden with Christ Who is in God. Our real life with Jesus is covered in His protection as we grow and produce fruit that is pleasing to Him.
Have you seen an almond blossom? It’s one of the first blossoms to appear in California. The blossoms beckon to the honeybees, “Come, delight in my pollen and nectar, produce sweet honey, and bless the world.” In return, the bees pollinate the blossoms.
Sweet honey from new life. That is what happens in a Christian’s life.
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Soon, the blossom petals fall and die. In their place, buds form.
We cling to Jesus as the buds cling to the tree branches; the buds form hulls. We’re still protecting ourselves from potential hurts.
But as we learn of Jesus and grow as Christians, our hull begins to open. The Holy Spirit is transforming us.
With time, the hull falls to the ground. But a hard shell was underneath the hull; it was protecting the heart of the fruit, the almond.
As we walk with Jesus, the hard shell cracks.
Eventually, we crack open the shell and marvel at the once-hidden almond. We pop it into our mouth and give another to a friend.
Our new life has become a life that nourishes others.
We look up and see the Creator smiling down on us. He showers every spiritual blessing on us, and we cling to the Branch of Life as He produces more fruit.
Honey and fruit, nutrition, and beauty flourish in the new life hidden in Jesus.
Our blessed Creator, You are a patient Father, for You know the fruit You are growing in us. We delight in Your goodness. Help us to be patient as we grow in You. We want to bring beauty and nourishment to this world and glorify You. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
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