Vibrant Vineyard

In one of my daily readings this week, I was looking in Isaiah.  As I was sitting in the car honestly struggling to pay attention to what I was reading, something crazy happened.  This may seem insane, but the page literally turned all by itself to a passage that had caught my eye earlier.  I know, I sound like a lunatic, but I instantly felt God telling me to write about what He was showing me. 

I read in Isaiah 5:1-7.  This piece of the Bible is titled “The Vineyard of the Lord Destroyed.”  A lot of times, The Father provides us with the necessary things to grow in our faith.  However, as pointed out in the scripture, we don’t put to use what is given.  Because of that, there is no harvest, or rather no spiritual growth.  We may have a Bible, a local church, Christian friends, mission opportunities, and more literally presented to us.  The choice is up to each individual of whether their vineyard flourishes or dies.

This exact topic is something I used to personally struggle with.  God had provided so many ways for me to dive further into the Christian faith, but I simply ignored it all.  To sum it up, I was perfectly fine with being a “lukewarm” Christian.  Little did I know at the time how dangerous it actually was to live in such a way.  For example, people who knew I followed Christ would base their thoughts of Christians on what they saw in me.  And how selfish I was to be an average example for Christ!  We are called to be on fire for God.  When we put to use all of the things God has prepared for the vineyard, others notice.  They notice the difference – and it will affect them. 

Just think about it.  Would you prefer grapes from a well-cared for and thriving vineyard?  Or would you rather have the grapes from a vineyard that wasn’t taken care of?  It works the same way with us.  We need to prepare ourselves for whatever God may have us to learn.  We need to allow ourselves to be stretched and grown in faith.  We need to be willing to put in the extra effort to be vibrant vineyards for Christ. 

Be the difference in the world.  Be the fruitful vineyard that God has prepared for you to become.  Does it take some effort? Of course, but the end result is worth it.  And even more, the experiences you have while planting and growing your vineyard can be used to help others.  A trial or a blessing you had may be exactly what someone else needs to hear as encouragement.  It may help them to continue to work on their vineyard.  The exact thing that stretched your faith may be what another individual needs to hear about.  Also, find friends to hold you accountable in your faith.  We all struggle, but having people there to keep us going can make a huge difference.

Don’t just be a vineyard.  Be a vibrant vineyard for Christ.