Low-Hanging Fruit

Have you ever heard the term “low-hanging fruit”? It refers to the easiest tasks or goals—those within reach that require little effort. Spiritually, this might look like a quick prayer when you wake up, reading a familiar verse, or offering a small kindness when it’s convenient. But there is also high-hanging fruit—the deeper disciplines and challenges that God calls us to reach for. High-hanging fruit might be a longer prayer, a deeper study of Scripture, or sacrificial service that stretches our faith. These tasks require effort and perseverance, yet they lead to lasting growth and maturity in our walk with Christ.

When we focus only on the low-hanging fruit, we may feel accomplished but miss out on deeper growth. True fruitfulness in the Christian life isn't about completing easy tasks, but about drawing deeply from Christ. Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). It is through abiding in Him that we bear lasting fruit.

The writer of Hebrews warns us about staying in spiritual infancy, “By this time you ought to be teachers, yet you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again… You need milk, not solid food!” (Hebrews 5:12–13). Clinging to spiritual "milk" keeps us dependent and immature, while God intends for us to move on to the "meat" of deeper study, greater service, and more profound obedience.

In Mark 11:12–14, Jesus cursed the fig tree for bearing only leaves—an outward appearance with no real fruit. This teaches us that genuine fruitfulness depends on substance, not just appearance. Reaching for high-hanging fruit may feel challenging, but it produces the genuine, lasting fruit that God honors.

This week, take a moment to identify your own spiritual “low-hanging fruit”—the quick prayers and easy devotions you rely on. Then choose one “high-hanging” step—perhaps a longer prayer time, a deeper Bible study, or serving in a new way. Trust that as you reach higher, the Gardener Himself will strengthen you to bear much fruit.

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.”

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

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I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. (1 Timothy 1:12)