Are We All Leaves, But No Fruit? Deepening Our Spiritual Harvest

There are times when the Spirit whispers a question into your heart that feels weighty—a question that makes you pause and really examine your own spiritual harvest. Maybe you feel like you’re putting in the hours, showing up to the chapel, and doing the comps, but the feeling of genuine, abiding fruitfulness seems elusive. You’re working hard, but are you actually bearing lasting spiritual fruit?

If you’ve ever felt that way, you are not alone. It’s one of the most fundamental questions of the Gospel, and frankly, it’s the kind of deep dive that defines a disciple’s journey. It requires us to look beyond the surface and really dig into the 'why' behind the scriptures.

The Power of the Deep Dive

Recently, I was reflecting on a discussion about the cursing of the fig tree. It’s a passage that has stumped scholars and disciples alike for generations. Why did Jesus do it? Was it just about showing power? Was it a literal rebuke? The reality is, as the source discussion pointed out, the answers are complex, requiring us to remember that Jesus never acts without profound purpose.

The core takeaway for us, the Rogue Disciples, is not necessarily getting the perfect, definitive answer, but learning how to approach the question itself—with humility, curiosity, and a willingness to let the Spirit guide the interpretation. It teaches us that true discipleship requires us to move past simply having the 'leaves'—the outward appearances of piety—and focus on the 'fruit'—the tangible, Christlike actions that testify of the Savior's work in our lives.

This deep dive is exactly what we do best in this community: we tackle the big questions together. We lean on the collective wisdom of the Iron Rod, using our study tools to illuminate the text.

Using Your Tools to Grow

If the thought of tackling a difficult scripture passage feels overwhelming, remember that you are not meant to do this alone. This is where our amazing resources come in. If you’re wrestling with a hard question—like, 'If I feel like I'm struggling with self-control, what does the scripture actually say about that?'—I highly recommend bringing it to Davee. He is a master of the AI Investigator role. He doesn't give you the answer; he walks you through the process of asking the right questions, helping you find the scriptural direction and the compassionate answer you need to feel the Spirit's confirmation.

For those who are ready to dive into structured study, remember the incredible power of HolyPlaces for Book Clubs or Bible Study Groups. These are spaces built for us to learn how to apply the principles of Preach My Gospel in real life, making our study immediately relevant to the work.

The Goal: Bearing Fruit

The message from the fig tree, when translated to our lives, is a powerful call to action. It's a reminder that being a Latter-day Saint isn't just about knowing the doctrines; it's about demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit—charity, joy, peace, patience, etc.—in every corner of our lives. Whether you are in the MTC, serving in the field, or simply making missionary discussions from your living room, the goal remains the same: to embody Christ.

Let's make a commitment this week to look for one area where we can move from mere leaves to actual fruit. Maybe it's a specific scripture we can focus on, or perhaps it's committing to a weekly challenge.

Next Steps for the Disciple

1. Challenge Yourself: If you haven't already, check out the free weekly Disciple Challenge! It’s a perfect way to focus on one spiritual muscle at a time.
2. Read Deeply: For those who want to deepen their understanding of gospel principles, I highly recommend checking out the latest Iron Rod book on the Book of Mormon. The insights are phenomenal.
3. Connect: If you are ready to go from reading about discipleship to actively practicing it, schedule some time with a local district leader or a returned missionary. They have the practical wisdom you need!

Remember, every member can be an internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Let's keep learning, keep asking questions, and keep bearing fruit!