Olive Trees

A couple of weeks ago I heard a presentation by Andy Crouch, in which he shared an idea that really struck me. Here it is in my own words… We live in a culture where impact is understood as a high amount of force in a short amount of time. When it comes to the internet and social media, the term ”went viral” says quite a bit about the nature of that impact and our understanding of it.

In contrast, when Jesus talked about impact in the kingdom of heaven, he used metaphors about fruit bearing trees, crops and other natural resources that sustain and support life. Did you know, it takes a planted olive seed a period of eight years to grow into a fruit bearing tree? That’s a long time! What's even more impressive is this: Today, there are fruit bearing olive trees that have existed for over 4,000 years! Seriously! This served as a great reminder and challenge to me. The kingdom work that we are called to is not typically the kind that shows the quickest results but it is always the type that has an eternal purpose and therefore the greatest impact.

CHALLENGE:

What seeds are you currently planting/watering that have potential to bear spiritual fruit years from now?

In what ways are you investing your time, energy and resources that will have an impact well beyond your lifetime?