What is the measure of a mature fruit tree? Is It just the age? Is it the sheer size or the amount of shade it provides?
In John 15 Jesus said "By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." and "Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." What is this thing we as believers are all being called to? What is it to bear spiritual fruit? We are all at different stages of our lives and different stages in our walk with Jesus. Much like the different types, ages and sizes of fruit trees. But the measure of every fruit tree is the fruit that it yields, and through the process of making fruit the tree reproduces. The seed is in the fruit of the tree.
Are we allowing Jesus to bear fruit through us? The fruit of the Spirit? And through that process, planting seeds and reproducing followers of Jesus? The truth is if we make Christ our Lord we have a great commission. This may begin to sound like something we do to deserve God's approval. It may begin to sound like religion. But remember we cannot do it apart from Him. It's Him. You are saved, but was your salvation just for your sake? Jesus has a ministry for you. A greenhouse of saplings that need to be discipled and tended to. We are the church and we are Growing Orchards of fruit bearing disciples of Jesus.