Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.
(Luke 8:14-15) NKJV
"Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God."
(Luke 12:8-9) NKJV
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit."
(John 15:1-2) NKJV
Hello everyone, just wanted some advice on a personal issue I'm dealing with. These verses, included the famous parable of the 'Sower and the Seed,' have been troubling me for some time. I just feel like I'm not bearing good fruit before the Lord regarding my profession of Christ and His commandments.
I am struggling with boldness and courage in regards to talking about Christ with others who are not as firmly committed, or committed at all, in attaining a righteous way before God. This has become especially tricky when dealing with this matter in environments such as my workplace, where my livelihood is at stake. Now, certainly my job pales in comparison to the almighty works of the Son of God, but I'm also not sure the Lord would find it prudent or wise of me to risk my job if it can be avoided. However, I'm very much enraptured by the Word, and so I find myself bitterly biting my tongue on many occasions, not fully declaring all I can to others.
Basically, I feel unfruitful. I may be bearing good fruit in other avenues of life, but not this one. This also brings into mind another contemplation, concerning what bearing good fruit fully encapsulates...does converting others or is spreading the Word with the boldness I lack essential? This is especially troubling for me, given how shy I can be and how much of a people-person I am in that I am careful to provide good company and not offend or trouble anyone. So while I am not acting as a stumblingblock for my neighbor, should I be more willing to offend? Although I may not be denying Christ before men, I certainly can do more to affirm His holy way.
Examples: If my manager is gay, and says he does not think his homosexuality is a sin, do I flat out tell him I think it is? If an Israeli friend says he does not approve of Christian missionaries and would never try to "tell someone how to live their lives," do I tell him I think he is wrong and explain to him what great work they are carrying out? These are just two recent conversations I've had among many of such type, varying in degrees of difficulty and severity.
Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all for your time.
(Luke 8:14-15) NKJV
"Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God."
(Luke 12:8-9) NKJV
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit."
(John 15:1-2) NKJV
Hello everyone, just wanted some advice on a personal issue I'm dealing with. These verses, included the famous parable of the 'Sower and the Seed,' have been troubling me for some time. I just feel like I'm not bearing good fruit before the Lord regarding my profession of Christ and His commandments.
I am struggling with boldness and courage in regards to talking about Christ with others who are not as firmly committed, or committed at all, in attaining a righteous way before God. This has become especially tricky when dealing with this matter in environments such as my workplace, where my livelihood is at stake. Now, certainly my job pales in comparison to the almighty works of the Son of God, but I'm also not sure the Lord would find it prudent or wise of me to risk my job if it can be avoided. However, I'm very much enraptured by the Word, and so I find myself bitterly biting my tongue on many occasions, not fully declaring all I can to others.
Basically, I feel unfruitful. I may be bearing good fruit in other avenues of life, but not this one. This also brings into mind another contemplation, concerning what bearing good fruit fully encapsulates...does converting others or is spreading the Word with the boldness I lack essential? This is especially troubling for me, given how shy I can be and how much of a people-person I am in that I am careful to provide good company and not offend or trouble anyone. So while I am not acting as a stumblingblock for my neighbor, should I be more willing to offend? Although I may not be denying Christ before men, I certainly can do more to affirm His holy way.
Examples: If my manager is gay, and says he does not think his homosexuality is a sin, do I flat out tell him I think it is? If an Israeli friend says he does not approve of Christian missionaries and would never try to "tell someone how to live their lives," do I tell him I think he is wrong and explain to him what great work they are carrying out? These are just two recent conversations I've had among many of such type, varying in degrees of difficulty and severity.
Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all for your time.