I enjoy the fruits of other people’s labors, and I am not alone. In fact, we all are debtors to so many who produce the things necessary for living. Among these needful things are the foods we eat, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables. I am not a farmer, not even a good gardener…I am, however, an excellent eater! (Chances are, many of you fit this profile as well.)
James implies in our text for today that there is a way to work for peace that leads to a good crop of right-living, just as there is a way to plant seeds that bring forth a bountiful harvest from the earth. Jesus had something to say about this in the parable of the sower, found in Mark 4. The farmer scatters seed over four different types of ground, finding only one place where the seed truly takes root, however, producing a bountiful crop. He describes the flaws of the other three soils, then equates the fruitful soil to those who hear his word, accept it, and as a result, produce fruit.
Christmas is the story of God sowing seed in the soil of God’s creation, and as a result, bearing the fruit of salvation through that blessed seed, Jesus Christ. If you and I are to be peacemakers, we must plant a good crop of right living…working for peace in a peaceful, Christ-like manner.
As the New Century Version quotes Jesus, "Let those with ears use them and listen!"
Prayer: Eternal God, may we work for peace by planting a crop of right-living. Amen.
Jim Abernathy
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