Be wise when you engage with those outside the faith community; make the most of every moment and every encounter. -Colossians 4:5 (VOICE)

Recently one of my favorite T.V. Bible teachers (Joyce Meyer) taught on the subject of “making the most of your time.” She reminded me that God never commanded us to be ‘busy.’

My Father’s glory is shown by your bearing much fruit; and in this way you become my disciples. -John 15:8 (GNT)

What God does require from us is that we bear fruit. Being busy is not in the recipe necessarily (it may be, but not a prerequisite).

You did not choose Me. I chose you, and I orchestrated all of this so that you would be sent out and bear great and perpetual fruit. As you do this, anything you ask the Father in My name will be done. -John 15:16 (VOICE)

We should be forever grateful that our Lord has chosen us for the task at hand. The payoff is beyond our wildest imagination– of that you can be assured!

What is this “great and perpetual fruit He refers to? How about the “fruit of the Spirit” as described in Galatians 5:22-23?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. -Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)