A shopkeeper explained to his customer: “These oranges will be sweet because they are seasonal fruits. Only unseasonal fruit will be bitter or tasteless; these will be good.” Blessed are those who meditate on the Word of God day and night. They are compared to trees planted beside a stream. Their leaves are evergreen. Hence, they will bear fruit in season. (Psalms 1:1-3) Fruit in season is nutritious, healthy, attractive, and pleasing.
Unseasonal fruits:
Sometimes, fruits ripen before their season. They do not have a good taste and could be unpleasant. Their smell may be different, and their nutritional content may be reduced. According to Paul, a novice should not be placed in leadership in local churches or mission organizations. (1 Timothy 3:6-7) It is unfair to hasten the process of bearing fruit from inexperienced believers.
Artificial ripening:
Chemicals like Calcium carbide (CAC2) and Ethylene gas speed up the ripening process in fruits like mangoes, bananas, grapes, pineapples, citrus, etc. The seed that fell in thorny places showed promise but did not bear fruit. (Matthew 13:20-21)
Fruitless: Some trees are unfruitful. Though fully grown with branches, stems, and leaves, they bear no fruit. The Bible warns: An axe is ready to cut down the tree that burdens the earth, occupies space, and is useless. (Matthew 3:10)
Danger: Unseasonal fruits, when consumed, can cause stomach upsets. Some may induce long-term health issues. For some people, chemicals can cause allergies. These chemicals pose health risks and can even lead to a slow death.
Poisonous fruit: God warned that the nation of Israel could bear poisonous fruit. If they chose idol worship as their root, their fruit would be poison, dangerous to those who consume it. (Deuteronomy 29:18)
Abiding and abundant fruit: Believers who remain in the Lord will bring forth abiding and enduring fruit. (John 15:5) Anchored in the Word, abiding in Him, planted in the local church, leading a witness life, and doing His will and purpose, a disciple becomes fruitful.
Am I a fruitful disciple bearing abundant fruit?