I don't remember any apple trees on Algonquin Drive. But on the way to school at Shackamaxon, we would take a detour through Sweeney's yard, and they had about a dozen of them. And on lazy days, and summers, we would stop and climb them. They were perfectly suited for climbing with their lower limbs, and of course the apples were there for the picking. I can't remember any warnings as a kid about not eating green apples, and so we sure ate our share. And it seemed, the higher we climbed, the better the apples were, with the best ones just out of reach. Seems there was a lesson there.
But as we learned to climb higher, we got braver, defying the staggering heights of 10-15', until we would get chased down, then resume our climbing another day when they weren't home. We actually got up pretty high, and would get pretty brave. And by hang jumping, we would get higher each time, and somehow the ground didn't seem quite as far away. Funny how ten feet up is closer than ten feet down! Especially through the eyes of a young boy.
But secretly it was about the apples, and we got pretty good at picking which ones to eat. It seemed the bigger ones were tastier, and that required more climbing, which was OK by us. And by shaking smaller branches, could get to those we couldn't reach. Rubbing them against our shirts to shine them may not have effected the flavor, but it seemed a shinier apple tasted better than a dull one. And then stuffing our pockets, or the baskets on our bikes, we would head home. I can't remember ever eating these apples at home, they were strictly early road food. But we would take them anyway. But there was one thing, one thing we never did, we absolutely never ate the apples that were on the ground. It was an unwritten rule the best ones were on the tree, and no matter how big, or even shiny they were, and easy to reach, apples on the ground were to be avoided. And you could tell the older ones, as they would get soft, and were great for throwing against a barn. And sometimes you would get grossed out when you would find one with an entry hole for a worm, but no exit hole. And although you rarely saw a worm, you never wanted to be the one who found the worm, whole or half, inside by biting into it. And so the thrill of the climb rewarded us with better fruit, and time spent hiding in the branches with apples to eat. Free apples. Safe in the ignorance that green apples were fine to eat. What a difference today!
"Abide in me, and I will abide in you," Jesus tells us. And when we do, we actually bear fruit. For He is the vine, and when we eat fruit from His tree, we become like Him. But sometimes the tree gets pruned, so it will grow better fruit. And it is tough, but the fruit you produce is better than before. But some choose not to abide in the vine. And they become like the apples that have fallen from the tree-soft, mushy, and useless. But they don't realize it, and they don't realize that they have stopped bearing fruit, and are dead to the things of the spirit. Growth and change are not part of their life, and they become harsh when others change. They don't realize that their relationship with Jesus is based on growing on the vine, and joining with Him and others. And three times in my life, when I have stayed on the vine, while others didn't, I grew and they grew too-only they grew bitter.
When not on the vine, you are on your own. And soon become legalistic, following rules instead of God. And whether it is a church, pastor, denomination, or an organization, you follow them instead of God. And soon you begin to eat the fruit that has fallen from the tree, and worse yet, begin to like it. Maturization is an ongoing, and sometimes slow process, and those who bottom feed don't realize how they are rotting from within. But those abiding in Christ do. And the two just don't mix. The one in the spirit is about God's work, and bearing fruit. The other is about their club, and is loyal to it first, thinking they are in the will of God. And soon, life in the vine continues to bring you closer to God, and you find when in obeyance, sometimes you move on. While they stay behind, safe in the knowledge that they are right, for your enthusiasm rubs them the wrong way. They become critical, and soon turn within, to each other. And end up without God-He has not left them, but they have left Him.
I have found following God to always be the best decision. And don't expect an easy ride. But expect an exciting ride, which is just like climbing higher to get the better apples. And as you grow, you meet others who age maturing in Christ, and you are able to relate to them, and with them. Leaving the legalistic not knowing what is going on. Stuck in a performance based relationship, that they set up, not God.
Listen to God today. He wants you grow in the vine, and abide with Him. To get all the blessings He has for you, and to share His love with others. In both cases, the decision is always yours. Be brave and trust Him. Not getting fed at church, ask Him and He will guide you. The ministry you are in isn't, trust God. Then obey. Desiring more from God, ask and you will receive. Wanting to get closer to Jesus-the spirit will guide you. Make your allegiance to God, and not some group or person. Repent, and turn to God. The apples are waiting for you.
And pray for your old friends, who only have each other. Pray for a revival in their hearts, and lives. Offer them in love, fruit that only comes from above. And stay away from their bitter fruit, that comes from a legalistic relationship. Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. Freedom from the law, and a joy that is never ending, but always growing. Fresh fruit from above.
Let those that choose to live by laws eat of its fruits. Be the apple of God's eye, and enjoy it in pies-always ala mode. The best, the freshest, and always available. Eat of God's garden every day. Just hanging out with Him, among the branches. With others, in the spirit.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com