Are You Fruity???

Are You Fruity????

Let me start off this entry by addressing the title- I’m well aware of the many implications that this phrase may bring about, all of which I’m upfront letting you know are not applicable here….read on and you’ll see.
When I read through the bible and I come across interactions that God has with individuals, it’s interesting to me how often the idea of increase is brought about. Now I am the first to say that I think the “increase/prosperity” message has gotten extremely out of hand and off base in the past couple of years, but you also can’t ignore bible. You see, first God says to Adam to increase and then just a few chapters later in Gen 9:1 God says to Noah "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth…”.
I am very aware of the fact that multiple people of different ages subscribe and/or read this blog- but I want to for the next few moments gear this towards young people. We live in a crazy culture, a distraught society, and what in the natural seems to be an “unsure” economy. I’m not always sure that adults and the media understand the importance that young people play in the future development and success of this country, and I’m not sure young people do either.
I was home recently in Wisconsin for a funeral, (one of my grandmother’s went home to be with the Lord), and I was in discussion with my little brother (who’s really not “little” anymore- he’s about 2 inches taller than me and about 80 pounds heavier than me- and really, he could kick my butt in a second if he wanted) - and we were discussing his work. He used to wash windows- like the guys that’d get up on tall ladders or scaffolding and do big buildings, etc…- then he became a bouncer for a while (again, reference to strength and him not really being “little”)- and now he’s back to the window deal again. But in my talks with him he was sharing about how he was doing side work, and the work was pretty decent, and then he said that he would just like to do it on his own, not have to work for a company, no boss, make up your own hours, and get paid well. And we ventured down this road of self-employment for a bit, and through this conversation I realized something. Most young people have a desire in them to create, to venture out, to build their own thing. I run across a lot of young people (especially in my role as a pastor) who are desiring not to work for a huge company or anything like that, but to break out and start something of their own. I think it’s amazing- I think it’s great, but then 2-5 years pass and the economy starts to become more real to them, the responsibilities of marriage, college, kids- all starts to play a roll- and let’s not forget the thing that helps us make 99% of all life decisions once we are adults……our mortgage.
And I think it’s sad, I think it’s heartbreaking, I think…….I think it’s not what God intended. When God shares with individuals throughout scripture to “be fruitful and multiply”- I believe he’s encouraging creativity- he’s encouraging ambition- he’s wanting people to go out there and do what they desire- and be FRUITFUL!!!! Too many people give up on their initial dreams- …..DON’T!!!- God wants you to increase and be successful- one scripture says “God gives us the power to get wealth”- power to me means the ability, the dream , the drive- it’s not all about money- but it’s all about independence about being fruitful, about fulfilling the dreams we have to not be tied down by something like a mortgage, or some boss breathing down their neck- but taking the opportunity to get out there and create….so the question today is……are you being fruity???? As a young person- are you fulfilling what your heart is leading you towards, what God is leading you to do????? ……apple anyone?

For Him,

Noah