Recently, I spent time with my four-year old grandson. We played ball with the dog. I pushed him on a swing set with fits of glee and laughter. We took a walk to Locust Grove under a warm sun and blue sky. Yet, over the day hung a dark cloud from the mass shooting in our city that morning. It almost ruined the time that I had with my grandson. Almost.

Just because there is craziness, destruction, and evil in this world, it does not mean that we need to be part of it. We are in this world, but not of it. Of course, we want to leave the world a better place than we found it.

There are polls and surveys that tell us that people in North America are less religious. I am concerned about the vacuum, the emptiness, the amoral approach to life for young people growing up today. I'm also troubled by drugs — both legal and illegal — and what impact they have on the development of emotions, intellect, social togetherness, community life, and ultimately our spiritual growth or lack thereof.

Many Christians celebrate a seven-week "Easter season" until the day of Pentecost. This season carries with it a promise. Recall the risen Lord's conversation with His disciples who were hiding behind closed doors because of fear:

John 20:21a,22 – Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit." (ESV)

Jesus gives us His Spirit and — like grace — it is sufficient. His Spirit is all we need. He is enough. He keeps us going. He reveals our character and forms our convictions. With Him, life with God is lived to the fullest. And more importantly, it is through the Holy Spirit that we plant seeds and bear fruit. We leave this world less concerned about problems and more hopeful for the seeds that we have planted.

Life is about planting seeds. It is about trees under whose shade we will never sit. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23a NIV) The promise of Easter will not die but only grow from generation to generation, from what we produce.

Now is the time. It is not time to give up or throw in the towel or hide in fear. It is time, however, to trust God with all that we have and allow His Spirit to manifest Himself in the darkness of the tomb and in the brokenness of this world for future generations who will bear fruit in a world that is a better place tomorrow because of the seeds that we plant today.

Prayer: Risen Lord, fill us with Your Spirit, so that we may do the work that You have prepared for us to do with courage through Your grace. Help us to plant seeds and bear fruit always to Your honour and glory. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Robin Jennings <robintjennings@gmail.com>
Louisville, Kentucky, USA
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