Word: Photosynthesis
Photo (light) + Synthesis (the combination of compounds)
Here is the Dictionary definition: The complex process by which carbon dioxide, water, and certain organic salts are converted into carbohydrates by green plants, algae, and certain bacteria, using energy from the sun and chlorophyll.
In summary, what this means is when you take water, dead or decaying material (read the blog on "shit," that's what this is) and mix them with light and time, it produces energy. Energy produces growth. Growth produces fruit.
The process of photosynthesis ( like all the other laws in our world) is spiritual... it is also natural.
All you have to do is add the dead or decaying life to water and light. There is nothing you have to force to happen. In fact, while gardening, have you ever tried to force a tomato to grow? That’s the best and quickest way to kill a tomato.
No, all you have control over are the ingredients. Simply bring them together in the appropriate balance, give them time and results will come.
This is also the model of growth; the rhythm of growth Jesus invites us into. Allow the water and light of the spirit to mix with our death and decaying life. Jut let them mix! Don’t try and make your selfishness less selfish, or your pride less obstinate or your fear less scary. That would be a sin! By "sin" I mean withholding our dead material to the process of growth.
I think the apostle John said it like this in Revelation 22:11 "Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right, and let the holy person continue to be holy.” 12 (God) “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."
It's not that you shouldn't want to stop doing all that stuff, but the growth comes when you simply expose it to the work of the Spirit.
This month, as you live your life, I hope you can bring your shit into the light, let the spirit touch it and give it time. In doing this simple, difficult and humble act, you allow new growth to take root in you and in time you spread the seeds of redemption to lives around you.
Most of all I want to remind you to be patient and give yourself time. The one who started a good work in you will finish it.