The other day, I was driving and noticed a line of trees. They all appeared to be the same kind of tree, but they were all in different stages of budding. I thought it was so strange that a group of trees, all exposed to the same elements (same amount of sunlight, rain, wind, soil conditions, etc.) could all look so different. One had branches full of leaves, some were just starting to bud, and a few had several buds starting to open.

I realized that none of the trees were jealous of the tree that was already full and leafy. Trees don’t get nervous when things seem to be taking too long. None of the trees were saying, “Boy, I wish I could grow like that,” or “Wow, look how awesome I am at growing!” Not only are trees inanimate objects that don’t have feelings (unless we’re talking about the trees from Lord of the Rings), but also, trees don’t really control their own growth. Trees sit and soak up the sun and rain. Trees simply abide.

As I came to this realization, I was reminded of what Jesus said in John 15:4-7 (NASB)“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

So, let’s take a cue from the trees. As we abide in Christ, and He abides in us, we will bear fruit. We need to be aware that this is happening not only in our own lives, but in the lives of everyone around us. Instead of being critical or envious when others are bearing fruit, we need to be encouraging and supportive. When those around us are struggling to abide and bear fruit, let’s avoid judging and seek to support them.

It’s so simple, but it’s so easy to forget. We don’t need to try to bear fruit. We don’t have to strive to achieve or accomplish anything. All we have to do is abide in Christ and he will be faithful to cause us to bear fruit.