Figs and Priorities

The one who guards a fig tree will eat its fruit, and whoever protects their master will be honored. Proverbs 27:18

If I was a gardener of fig trees who worked for a wealthy estate-owner, I would probably possess great knowledge in the art of botany. I would know about proper soil, nourishment, watering and sunlight. I would be observant of any disease or fungus that might overtake the trees and alert to thieves who might steal the fruit. Also, I would be entrusted to protect the owner’s name. Speaking well of him and his household, I would give my all to stand up for him and care for his valuable, historic trees, whose bounty depends on my watchful attention.

Since I’m not a gardener (I wouldn’t know the first thing about fig trees and in no way do I have anything near a green thumb), how should I approach this verse? How do fig trees and masters apply to my life in September 2020?

As I thought about this question all week, the word priority came to my mind. Whatever and wherever I am led to be, to do and to go, I must do so with all my heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since I know that I will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ I am serving. Col. 3:23-24

The verse includes any responsibilities I have concerning my mate, neighbors, friends, church and even the poor. I am to protect their names by letting nothing distract me, but keeping at it, not allowing my work to wither and die. I guard them by not gossiping or being lazy in the help I offer, but giving my all (as if I was serving the Lord).

Prov. 24:30-31 says, “I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins.”

My own property or possessions (fig trees) must be kept up and looked after.

Since God the Father is my great and only Master, I passionately seek to preserve and guard His name above all else. My life choices speak of my faithfulness and loyalty to the Lord.

This week, I was given several opportunities to face some back-to-back disappointments (now forgotten), some that went deep, straight into my heart, and threatened to move me off the solid Rock of Christ. Yet, I thought about what mattered most: my disappointment or my love for others? Should I feed and protect my disappointments or should I feed and guard my ability to love (in my relationships)? What emotions was I allowing to rule over me? What actions of Jesus claimed my highest priority?

Like the guardian of the fig tree, it is important for me to daily process what I value most. Is my work ethic strong? How about self-discipline over bad habits (that could distract me from what is good and right) and wisdom regarding any danger that could corrupt or spoil the work I do? In what way should I nourish and protect the precious, holy and sacred gifts (talents) that God has called me to share with others?

When I have difficult, time-consuming or lowly tasks ahead of me, and perhaps even disgruntled people to work for, it helps to be creative in how I get these tasks accomplished. I develop a plan and carry out that plan in daily small bites so I don’t get burned out.

I also set a guard around my own heart to protect it from bitterness, anger and self-pity which are heavier loads to carry than the difficult tasks themselves.

In the end, I will be rewarded for my cheerful and wholehearted labor, perhaps only with the fruit of respect, honor and goodwill, or maybe with the fruit of needed monetary compensation. However, my greatest reward is found in God.

My Lord, teach me how to guard the fig trees of my life and then partake of the sweet fruit. Show me how to honor those I serve, especially you, dear Jesus. Help me to set my priorities straight and focus on what matters most in your kingdom. In Jesus name, Amen.