Brothers and sisters in Christ, as we stand on the precipice of a new year, let us turn our hearts and minds towards a theme that resonates with the very essence of our faith: fruitfulness. This year, at Bolim Church, we embark on a journey of cultivating abundance not just in our spiritual lives, but within the very heart of the marketplace.
Our guiding light is found in the powerful words of John 15:8 AMP: “By bearing much fruit you show that you are my disciples; this brings great joy to my Father.” This verse whispers a profound truth: our lives, be they lived in boardrooms or bakeries, farms or factories, are not mere avenues for earthly pursuits, but fertile ground where a divine harvest awaits. We are called, not just to exist in the marketplace, but to transform it with the essence of our faith, bearing fruit that nourishes not just ourselves, but the world around us.
But what does it mean to be fruitful in the marketplace? Is it about climbing the corporate ladder or amassing material wealth? No, dear friends, true fruitfulness goes far beyond outward success. It is about living with integrity, driven by values that echo the teachings of Christ. It’s about approaching every transaction, every interaction, with honesty, kindness, and compassion.
Remember Proverbs 11:3: “Integrity guards the path of the blameless, but the treacherous are destroyed by their greed.” In the marketplace, integrity is the lifeblood of fruitfulness. When we conduct ourselves with fairness and transparency, we sow seeds of trust and build relationships that last. We become beacons of righteousness, guiding others away from the pitfalls of manipulation and deceit.
“By bearing much fruit you show that you are my disciples; this brings great joy to my Father.”
John 15:8 AMP
And how can we forget the transformative power of love? 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 reminds us: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
When we infuse our work with love, we breathe life into the cold machinery of the marketplace. We treat every customer, colleague, and competitor with respect and dignity, recognizing the divine image within them. We become instruments of God’s grace, spreading goodwill and empathy wherever we go.
But fruitfulness does not happen overnight. It requires constant nurturing and care. Colossians 3:23-24 instructs us: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Let us approach our work with the same dedication and devotion we bring to our prayers. Let us invest ourselves fully, honing our skills, seeking excellence, and constantly striving to learn and grow. For in doing so, we honor God and pave the way for a bountiful harvest.
Brothers and sisters, as we step into 2024, let us commit to being more than just participants in the marketplace. Let us be active agents of transformation, cultivating a harvest of righteousness, love, and integrity. Let us be living testaments to the power of Christ, bearing fruit that nourishes not just ourselves, but the world around us.
May this year be one of unprecedented fruitfulness, both in our personal lives and within the vibrant marketplace where we serve. Remember, we are not simply workers; we are ambassadors of Christ, called to spread his message of hope and love through every action, every interaction, every day.
So, go forth, dear friends, and be fruitful! May your work be a blessing, your service a testament to your faith, and your life a symphony of praise to the One who empowers us all.
Happy New Year, and may 2024 be the year of greatest fruitfulness in your lives!
