Apples of Gold

Imagine with me a very large and beautiful apple tree. It stands here between you and me. Its bark is gnarled and gray. If we stopped and looked just at the trunk and that bark etched deeply by years of growth, we might not be attracted to it or find it of any worth. However, there is much more to an apple tree than just its trunk and bark.

As we move up the trunk we can see branches spread out. Some of these branches are as old as the trunk, though smaller around. Others are younger and seem more vibrant and supple. On each one of these branches are beautiful variegated leaves. The sun weaves its way through the fibers causing each one to be a radiant garment of green. The breeze blows gently through and taps each leaf asking it if it may have this dance.

Throughout the leaves we can see orbs of a golden color. They cling to the limbs as if their life depended upon it. Hovering together closely in groups of three or four, they draw us to them by their sweet aroma. These apples of gold are the jewels of the mature and thriving tree. They are the fruits of its labor.

Psalm 1:1-3 says: “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord and who meditates on his law day and night.  That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.  Whatever they do prospers.”   

That is a beautiful picture of people who are alive and thriving because of the presence of the Lord in their lives—prosperous, life-giving and fruitful. There are many fruits of the Christian life. There is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Then there is tenderness, compassion, like-mindedness, being one in spirit and in purpose, selflessness, humility (Philippians 2:1-11).  There is also a love that is superlative in every way to the other kinds of loves we know—it is the love of Christ Jesus borne out into each of us through the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 13).

Questions for Consideration: Which of these apples of gold do you excel in? Which do you need the help of the Holy Spirit to bring you to a deeper level of maturity?

Prayer Prompt: Ask the Lord to help you mature in your weakest areas so that you can produce more beautiful fruit.

M.R. Hyde