How is your “garden” growing?
"Remember that children, marriages, and flower gardens reflect the kind of care they get." H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
When I come across quotes that I like, I look up the author of the quote to learn a little about them. Interesting, that H. Jackson Brown, Jr., is an American author best known for his inspirational book, “Life’s Little Instruction Book”, which was a New York Times bestseller from 1991-1994.
My immediate thought as I read that was of God’s “Big” instruction book, the Bible. How there is so much wisdom and instruction for living a fulfilled and happy marriage, as well as raising Godly children.
The word “garden” also caught my eye. I am not a gardener but have managed to keep my summer herbs alive and well, in this past summer of drought. And if you know me, you know that is not a small task! How did I do it? I paid attention. I don’t know how much water my plants need or how often they need it. I just watered them, and checked on them daily. I gave them attention, and when they were looking a little droopy, I gave them a little more water.
The same is true for a happy, fruitful marriage. It doesn’t just happen. It takes special attention, time, and sometimes, in times of drought, more water!
Two scripture passages come to mind when I think of a well-watered, fruitful garden.
The first is in John 15:1-5
“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”
Jesus Himself is speaking here. So how do we get our marriage garden to be more fruitful? We need to remain, or abide in Jesus! Staying close to Him, living for Him, being washed in the water of His word. This produces godly fruit. Galatians 5:22-26 says: “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control"
How much more enjoyable would your marriage be if it was filled with the Godly fruit of the Holy Spirit?
This week’s challenge is to take a survey of the fruits explained in Galatians 5. How many would you say characterize your marriage relationship? If your marriage garden needs work, go back to John 15 – abide in Jesus, seek Him, and allow Him to work in your heart and mind, to bring the fruit of the Holy Spirit into your marriage.