The two final steps in cultivating a tree

 

6. The sixth step is the time of harvesting

This is the time when we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he/she has done, whether good or bad, and let no one deceive him/herself, God is not mocked; for whatever a person sows, that he/she will also reap. For the one who sows to his/her flesh, will of the flesh reap corruption, and he/she who sows to the Spirit, will of the Spirit reap everlasting life (2 Corinthians 5:10; Galatians 6:7-8).

In the final analysis the fruit that we are expected to be bear is the fruit of the Holy Spirit which is synonymous to the nature of Jesus Christ as alluded to by the apostle Paul who wrote; My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you” (Galatians 4:19).

We should always bear in mind the admonition which reads; “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth: Who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness --- by whose stripes you were healed” (1Peter 2:21-24).

7. The seventh and final step is the time of evaluation and reward

 Finally, those who reap everlasting life will have a glorified body dependent on their degree of glory, because,” we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” And, just as there is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body” (2 Corinthians 3:18; 1Corinthians 15:41-44).

It is important to note that, the growth and development of the spiritual body is as literal and practical as that of the physical body, for example, the proper development of the physical body requires air (oxygen), water, food, exercise, entertainment, rest and sleep and naturally, we are what we eat.

In like manner, the development and growth of the spiritual body requires, life which is Jesus Christ Himself who stated categorically; “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” He also said; “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” His blood is real drink, His flesh is real food, the study of His word is the exercise and development of the mind, the celebration of the Lord’s festivals the source of out entertainment and prayer and fasting the source of our rejuvenation and in the spiritual realm, we are what we think, for as a man thinks in his heart so is he,

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ATINGS6

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XYGDD7M

With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph