THE GOAL OF REST IS A FRUITFUL LIFE
The goal of rest is not inactivity or leisure, but fruitfulness.
In the Genesis account of creation, God rested on the seventh day. As Adam and Eve were created on the sixth day, their first day was also a day of rest; a day when they entered into the finished work of the Creator. We can imagine their delight in exploring the amazing provision which had been made for them. Out of that rest, and in partnership with God, they were commissioned to develop what they had been given, to be fruitful and exercise delegated authority. |
Of course, we know how that particular chapter ended; but as we have seen in the Foundations section of this website, it wasn’t the end of the story—God had a plan of redemption ready to unroll.
Through Jesus Christ, we too are invited into the finished work of the Father—into His total provision for all of our needs—past, present, and future. It is this provision which produces in us a profound rest. |
QUESTIONS PEOPLE ASK…
What is fruitfulness in the Bible? How do I live a fruitful life? HAVE YOU GOT A QUESTION? |
However, a fruitful life not only has to start in rest—it also has to continue in rest. Walking in God’s provision means ceasing from our own efforts (or ‘works’), and allowing His Spirit to work in us and through us instead.
Many Christians go to the Cross initially, aware of their own weakness, and need for a Saviour, but after conversion, feel they have to work to retain God’s blessing and favour. And they end up with a Christian life which is full of striving, self-effort, and rules and requirements. Many times this is exacerbated by other believers, who, with the very best of motives, apply pressure to conform to an expected way of doing things. It is not meant to be this way! Kingdom Life is not about trying hard, not about labouring to make something happen, or about squeezing out good works by our own efforts. It’s about allowing a river to flow.
He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.
[John 7:38 NASB] |
Kingdom fruitfulness is about getting in the flow of the Spirit. Drummers talk of that sweet spot, of getting ‘in the groove’, when the rhythm starts to flood their senses; so it is with us—Kingdom Living is about hearing and responding with our whole being to the ‘music of Heaven’.
We don’t see fruit trees straining and struggling to produce fruit. Fruit is the natural consequence of life flowing through them; a life that is nurtured by the water, sunshine and nutrients they need. So it is with us. It’s time to let life overflow. |
A fruitful life not only has to start in rest—it also has to continue in rest. Walking in God’s provision means ceasing from our own efforts (or ‘works’), and allowing His Spirit to work in us and through us instead. www.rhythmsofgrace/kingdom-living/being-fruitful Click to Tweet |
All text and photographs,
unless otherwise credited © rhythmsofgraceuk.org All rights reserved. |
**The owner of this website, www.rhythmsofgraceuk.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Programme. This is an affiliate advertising programme which earns fees for sites which advertise and link to products supplied by Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, and amazon.co.uk.
Please note: commissions are supplied by Amazon; there are no hidden costs for visitors to this website, and all resources shown are genuine recommendations, CONTACT ME
|