GOD CAUSES INCREASE "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God GAVE THE INCREASE. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that GIVETH THE INCREASE. " (1 Corinthians 3:6-7) -- Tomorrow:
The Father is not content with minimal results or a lack of increase. The Savior powerfully affirmed this when He said, "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch, and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned" (John 15:6, NASB). The evidence of "NOT" abiding in Christ is the absence of fruit--the lack of spiritual increase.
The scarcity of fruitfulness, or increase, is altogether too common in our time. However, it is never acceptable--never! Plausible explanations may be presented for the lack of growth and increase, but it is inexcusable! God simply will not allow the condition to continue. Some will ask, "What if we are not growing numerically? Is that being unfruitful?" Spiritual increase includes, but is not limited to, a growth in numbers. There are times when increase is more focused on maintaining than expanding. The church in Thyatira is a case in point. "I place no other burden on you. Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come. And he who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS; AND HE SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON, AS THE VESSELS OF THE POTTER ARE BROKEN TO PIECES, as I also have received authority from My Father; and I will give him the morning star" (Rev 2:26 28). Church growth experts were neither required nor desired at Thyatira. The word of Jesus to them was to "hold fast" until Jesus comes. That would allow for an increase in faith, love, and other spiritual graces. It might or might not have included numerical growth.
There are times of oppression when keeping the faith requires most of our effort. I would not venture to say this is a description of our times, because those wearing the name of Jesus are not always noted for their faith or faithfulness. Such people need to get faith, then they can keep it.
The crying need of our time is spiritual stability that comes from "laying hold on eternal life." That condition will produce a spread of the truth and a consequent increase in the number of disciples. God will give the increase when the Seed is sown and watered. It is the manner of the Kingdom!
PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus name, You have my wholehearted consent to make me an abundant fruitbearer. I long for Your pruning that I might bring forth more fruit for Your glory.