Monday, 27 January 2014

Producing Good Fruit


“And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” 

The command to be fruitful was given to our first parents Adam and Eve, but what kind of fruit does the Lord want?  Almost anyone can bear fruit. 

In fact, the Jews at the time of Jesus were willing to justify themselves and claim that they were saved, just because they were the children of Abraham, the fruit of Abraham.  But John told them that just being children of Abraham was not enough, they were still expected to keep the commandments of God.  They were to be good fruit. 

“And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” 

Hewn down and cast into the fire.  Our families will not last if we do not bear good fruit.  How could they?  In other words, how can we have our children with us in heaven, if they are corrupt?  No unclean thing can dwell in the presence of God.  We must have good children.  If we produce bad fruit, then that marriage/family will be hewn down and cast into the fire. 

The highest and noblest calling is to bear fruit.  It is what our Heavenly Father does.  Who imagines a God that refuses to care for His children?  When in all the scriptures do we read that God denied his children love and care because he had to go to work?  Where does he say ‘I’ll talk to you after the game?’  The care of children is not only His highest priority, but His only priority. 

“For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”

For those who want to become like our Father in Heaven, the care and salvation of children is the top priority. 

And those who would justify themselves by disclaiming any responsibility for the sins of their children, need to take another gander at the scriptures. 

The Lord taught this principle in the Doctrine and Covenants to the early Saints: 

“40 But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth. 
 41 But verily I say unto you, … , you have continued under this condemnation; 
 42 You have not taught your children light and truth, according to the commandments; and that wicked one hath power, as yet, over you, and this is the cause of your affliction. 
 43 And now a commandment I give unto you—if you will be delivered you shall set in order your own house, for there are many things that are not right in your house.”   

Here is one of my favourites: 

“For it is given unto them even as I will, according to mine own pleasure, that great things may be required at the hand of their fathers.”

How sad it is when a young couple is having so much joy in the birth of their new child, and our society strives with all it’s might to tear them apart.  Imposing their will by peer pressure to get the new parents away from the child, claiming such lies as ‘you cannot enjoy life with children.’  Children are a wonderful blessing, and bring joy and rejoicing to the family.  Stay strong, and raise good children.  You will have joy and rejoicing throughout the eternities. 

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