Be Fruitful and Multiply

The first words in the Bible spoken to the human race were, “Be fruitful and multiply.” These same words were repeated to Noah and his offspring after the flood (Genesis 8:16- 17). Clearly this principle was important to God. We can imagine that He might say the same thing to each one of us and realize that He is communicating an attitude He wants us to develop.

From these words, we see how God wants His people to approach their gifts and resources. He does not want them to indifferently go through life, but to constantly look for ways to be “fruitful” and increase what they have. As applied to us, we are to take the initiative, seeking to increase and develop what God gives us. We are to take action to spread His Kingdom.

Jesus taught the same principles in His parable about the talents (Matthew 25:14- 30). Here the master gave his servants talents (money). Then He watched to see how they reacted. He rewarded servants who invested their talents, but condemned the man who hid what he had and was afraid to act.

As you enter this new year, remember God’s instructions about being fruitful and multiplying. Consider all the resources He has given you: time, talents, and treasures. Don’t sit back passively, but look for opportunities to invest these seeds and to develop the skills you have been given. Be proactive in fulfilling God’s plans for you.