I am really good at making sure I’m producing good fruit.
Am I showing good results as a member of the Lord’s restored gospel?
I try to study my scriptures each day.
Say prayers.
Serve others.
Fulfill my calling.
Keep the sabbath holy.
It can start to become too much. I can start to become weighed down.
Yes, it’s good fruit.
But when it starts to outgrow my roots, that’s when there’s a problem.
When I study the olive tree allegory, the Lord of the vineyard seems the most concerned with two parts of His olive trees:
The roots
AND
the fruit.
“And this I do that, perhaps, the roots thereof may take strength because of their goodness; and because of the change of the branches, that the good may overcome the evil.” (Jacob 5:59)
Sometimes, I’m so focused on producing “good fruit” that I forget it’s impossible to do so without strong roots.
And roots need constant nourishment.
Instead of just checking off my scripture study for the day, I try to really connect with God and feel the Spirit in order to nourish my soul.
I turn off the fun TV show and listen to a conference talk, really focusing on connecting with God.
I find meaning in my church service instead of just getting things done.
And it makes a world of a difference.
When I feel “exhausted”, I’m usually not taking care of my gospel roots. I’m usually only focusing on the “good fruit” that other people might see.
But when I start taking care of nourishing my “roots” a lot more, feeding them a steady stream of scripture, doctrine, and goodness, guess what starts to happen?
When my roots are strong, my “fruit” is naturally good, too.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
