The worst verdict that could be declared over a life is that it was fruitless. You may achieve great things in your life. You may be acclaimed by many and gather great wealth and the world will tell you that you have therefore lived a successful life. But God does not look for great achievements. Whether you have little or much is of no consequence to God. The acclaim of people says nothing about how God views your life. You are a unique person created to bear a unique fruit in your life for God. The only question of any relevance over your life is this: Did you bear the fruit that you were created to bear? We are all called to bear the fruit of love in our own unique way. We are all called to grow in mercy, justice and compassion. And we are all given unique opportunities, circumstances and gifts with which to express that love. So don’t compare yourself to others. You are not expected to bear the same fruit that they bear. You are only expected to bear fruit in accordance with how God has uniquely made you. God will make you fruitful if you are willing. His Spirit in you will grow the fruit. Plant yourself in God and you will bear much fruit. Don’t be like the people Isaiah describes here who achieved great wealth and success but were spiritually fruitless. Fruitfulness is the only thing that matters in life. What fruit is your life bearing right now? Where is the fruit of mercy, justice and compassion in your life?
Examine your life in the light of these things.
Read Isaiah 4:2-5:30
