ANTI-VENOMSample

STAGNANCY

Anti-venom: Fruitfulness

We live in an era where many are constantly busy, moving swiftly, yet ultimately going nowhere. We find ourselves trapped in the cycle of "doing" without yielding productivity. Engaging in church activities, concerts, and Bible studies often fails to bear tangible fruit. The Bible emphasizes the importance of developing the "fruits of the Spirit" in every believer. Despite their designation as "fruits of the Spirit," these are essentially character traits. This implies that cultivating righteous character transcends mere "holiness"; it requires patience, kindness, gentleness, and long-suffering.

If you've been involved in spiritual endeavors for an extended period but haven't seen progress in managing your temper (for example), you may have hit a plateau.

Similar to the false sense of security, the enemy doesn't necessarily oppose church attendance—so long as it doesn't lead to fruitfulness. Jesus once cursed a tree that, despite going through all the stages of growth, failed to bear fruit.

Today, take a moment for self-reflection. Pay heed to the recurring remarks others make about your character. This is a sacred moment between you and God; there's no need for defensiveness when the Holy Spirit highlights areas needing improvement. It's time to be intentional about your growth.