Are you Spiritually Barren? How to Overcome Spiritual Barrenness

I’ve spent part of my Christian life being spiritually barren.

At one time in our lives, every weekend was taken up in church activities. Potluck dinners. Youth car washes. Women’s tea parties. Men’s breakfasts. Superficial conversations on Sundays without ever getting to know the people around me.

It seemed we filled a lot of time with events but if I’m honest, something was definitely missing from a lot of it. We were busy but what we were doing as a church didn’t always amount to anything but a gathering of church people.

Where was God’s mission in any of it?

The Fruitless Fig Tree

In Mark 11: 13, Jesus and his disciples are traveling and become hungry. Ahead of them is a fig tree, and because it has leaves on it, Jesus approaches looking for figs. Although we are told it is not the season for figs, Jesus curses the tree when he finds no fruit.

I don’t know about you, but this always confused me.

If it wasn’t the season for figs, why curse the tree? It seems cruel and petty until you look at the next verses.

Jesus Clears the Temple

We’ve probably all heard about the next part of the scripture (Mark 11:15 – 18). Jesus overturns tables in the temple, driving out the men conducting business in the area designated for all people to come for prayer. Rather than converting unbelievers into believers, they were selling goods to make a profit.

The temple and the activities there were just like the cursed fig tree. The leaves on the tree indicated that there should have been some fruit, but just like the activity in the temple, it was misleading. They made it appear as if they were conducting religious activities, but ultimately, they had their own agenda.

Much like the fig tree that was not bearing fruit, the temple was not producing spiritual fruit. It was as barren as the cursed tree became.

What Does It Mean To Be Spiritually Barren?

If we take an honest look at our lives in comparison, we may be shocked to find how much of what we do in the church is just religious activity with personal motives. I’ve seen a lot of events that are said to be about serving the community but in reality, the motive is to make the church feel good about itself or to “one up” another church, pastor, friend, etc.

I’ve seen events planned to supposedly reach unbelievers but that cater only to churched families. Worse, I’ve seen “care” of needy families done with arrogance and pity rather than love.

Too often, Christians go through the motions and “rules” of church so they can appear holy, but their motivation isn’t about serving God and showing His love.

How To Overcome Spiritual Barrenness?

• Love God. The basis for all we do should be rooted in our love for God. When we make loving God the foundation we build on, we are more likely to bear spiritual fruit.
• Love others. John 13:34 & 35 tell us to love others as God loves us. When we do this, especially if we understand how sacrificial His love for us is, we allow others to see His love through us.
• Pray. All we do as Christians should be covered in prayer. It opens that door for communication between us and God. If we never speak to Him, we’re less likely to hear Him when He speaks.
• Seek God’s will. Following God’s path for your life will always produce spiritual fruit. It’s when we walk our own path, without His guidance and direction, that we become barren.
• Serve and disciple others. If we are loving others, serving them is part of the spiritual fruit of that relationship. Meet needs as they arise. Give generously and be available with your time and testimony.  
• Stay humble. Our own pride often gets in the way of our spiritual fruitfulness. Our good intentions can be derailed if we focus too much on the praise or recognition we receive for our service.

Be Fruitful

Our lives become fuller when we are living a fruitful life.

What can you do today to move away from spiritual barrenness toward spiritual fruitfulness?