Colossians 1:10
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
“being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” To be “fruitful,” is an expression of productivity. A healthy apple tree will be ” fruitful naturally,” and produce apples. Therefore, to be fruitful spiritually is to live a life that “naturally” demonstrates a faith in God. It is not something that is turned off and on, it is who you are becoming. For the word that is used for “knowledge”, is a word that speaks of “exact and intimate knowledge.” So intimately acquainted, that one’s thoughts, responses and choices reflect that relationship. Example, a wife can answer on behalf of her husband because she knows him intimately. And this is what is meant by this word. To be Christian means you are growing in and learning of Christ. And this is where there is confusion about Christianity. Many hold to the belief that they are Christian because they are good people. And surely being a Christian should cause one to be benevolent and kind. But it is the intimacy of knowing Christ, allowing God’s Spirit to change you from the inside that causes one to be “Christ like,” which is what the term Christian means. The expression “born again” is the term Christ used in speaking of this change to his disciples. A surrendering of one’s life over to God’s care and keeping, and the acknowledgement of one’s need of forgiveness, in light of a Holy God. This is the beginning of a life of faith. 8/26/12