A tree planted beside the stream does not have to work to remain healthy. It doesn't have to work to produce fruit. Green leaves and fruit are an organic offspring of it's relationship to the stream. It is a product of life.

My efforts to 'do' things for Christ or His Kingdom are as if I'm a parched tree miles from water trying to squeeze out some fruit... or even a green leaf. Fruits of the Spirit have less to do with my efforts and more to do with Gods Spirit flowing through me.

A Christ-follower that abides by the Living Water is a product of Life. When I abide in the Living Water my leaves never die and I produce fruit in the right season. It is not something I have to work to do, rather it's something that naturally occurs when my source is Christ.

The most consistent prayer I pray for my kids is that they would grow to be a tree by the stream rooted firmly by the Living Waters. A reflection of Life. Whatever they do prospers because they're doing the will of their Creator.

Psalm 1:1