Scripture for Today:  Philippians 1:11  “May you abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness (right standing with God and right doing) which come through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), to the honor and praise of God….”

It’s harvest time!  The vineyards above our house are filled with workers, tractors and even horses and carts for the steep places.  The “vendange” or grape harvest is a happy exciting time around here.  After months of hard work tending the vines, the fruit of all that labor appears.  Not only are there migrant workers picking the grapes but students earning extra cash, retired folk, and even whole families enjoying the experience together!  Many of the small villages in Alsace have festivals to celebrate the harvest.

Fruit that is harvested legitimately is fruit enjoyed for more than just one season.  The grapes are not only enjoyed fresh but also transformed into juice, wine, jams and raisins.  When I think about “forbidden fruit” or sin, it is pleasurable only for a season (Heb.11:25).  Our verse for today talks about another kind of fruit; the fruit of righteousness.  It is described as behavior that honors God.  Paul’s prayer is that we are filled with this kind of fruit which comes directly from our relationship to Jesus, the Vine (John 15:1).  The fruit of righteousness will be fruit that is lasting (verse 16).

When I consider what I can pass on to my children and grandchildren, there does not seem to be much that can last.  There is not much that can stand the test of time.  But a life marked by doing the right thing is a life that can touch others for eternity.  It is fruit that will remain.

Thank you, Lord, that Your fruit remains so that my life can make a difference!