John 3: portions

Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.

Every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do that same.

To the tax collectors: Don’t collect any more than you are required to.

To the soldiers: Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely- be content with your pay.

These verses convict me and ask me to look straight in the mirror. Maybe they sound a bit harsh; “Cut down and thrown into the fire” certainly does!

When I read the specifics, it is simple and realistic. It doesn’t say give every tunic that you have. It says “share”. Even to the tax collector, John doesn’t say to quit your job. He says to do your job fairly. To the soldier he says to be honorable with your work.

I am summing up these verses in my mind and asking how to apply them. I hear the push to “bear fruit”, to share what I have with others, and do my work honorably. God is not always asking for the dramatic, earth-shattering change like the disciples who left everything to follow Jesus. Sometimes he is asking for us to stay where we are planted and simply work on producing blossoms.

My proverb for today is Proverbs 11:16 which says, “A kindhearted woman gains respect.” Respect is the frosting on the cake. If the tax collector does his job fairly, he gains respect. If the soldier works honorably, he gains respect. If a husband supports and loves his family, he gains respect. Without positive action, no respect. With positive action comes respect!

Respect can only be achieved if it is earned. It takes doing, and giving, and making tough choices. My thoughts go immediately to my husband. For more than 30 years I have watched him earn respect. He has made unpopular choices like reporting safety issues that slowed the manufacturing process, but potentially saved lives. He has been a dad who helps and gives. He coached the tough kids with fairness. He mentors the young engineers by listening to their ideas. There was no monumental event that suddenly gave him respect. He has earned respect by doing the right things; simply doing, day by day by day.

A sweet friend told me once, “You don’t have to upset the world. You just need to make the next right choice.” So, choice by choice by choice we will produce; first a bud, then a blossom, then – maybe a banana.