As Christians, most of us know of the "Fruit of the Spirit," found in The Book of Galatians; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Gal 5:22-23)
Have you ever seen a fruit tree in nature? Perhaps at an orchard or even growing in your yard? What happens to the fruit that is not picked to be eaten? It falls on the ground to rot.
The same is true with our Spiritual Fruit, especially when it comes to making disciples and allowing them to serve in ministry. Why is it that the act of making disciples has fallen by the wayside? Especially when many people are chomping at the bit to serve in one capacity or another.
Friends, the Great Commission charges you to "go and make disciples," this is our marching orders as servants of Christ. You will not hold your job or ministerial position forever, and we are to train up people to take our place. It may not be "our" place but to fill someone's shoes eventually.
The question begs then why so many people are afraid to disciple? Is it envy or greed? Are people afraid that someone may come along and do a better job?
If so, we should rejoice! That God has sent a new person, who could possibly make the ministry better.
Are you hoarding the fruit that God put on your tree instead of taking a person under your wing who may multiply the Kingdom of God one day? If so, all you are doing is allowing the Fruit of the Spirit to rot on your tree.
