I Know Who You’re Not Supposed To Be

First, a story.

This story has 3 characters: the Property Owner, the Fig Tree, and the Gardener…

A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed.

Finally, he said to his gardener, “I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.”

The gardener answered, “Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.” (Luke 13.6-9 NLT)

Stories like these are intended to make us identify with one of the characters.

Seeing yourself in this story, who are you?

I know who you’re not supposed to be.

You’re not supposed to be the property owner.

You didn’t plant the tree…

So it’s not your job to be disappointed, or to say “you’re just taking up space,” or to cut him/her down.

Maybe you identify with the tree.

Perhaps you feel like you’re just taking up space—struggling to be productive.

I have news for you: there is hope.

With a change of conditions and the right care and attention, things can turn around for you.

There’s grace for you. You have potential that has not yet been fully realized.

And, most importantly, you’re not alone.

Maybe you identify with the gardener.

This is the goal…

And who we want to be (like).

We want to be grace-givers.

We want to always believe there is potential.

We want to be people who say, “Let’s give them another chance!”

We want to be people who give special attention and care for those who are struggling.

We want to take it upon ourselves to make a difference and give people that extra help they really need.

We are grace-giving gardeners.