IncreaseSample

The Fruit of Increase

I'm sure you are familiar with the Coca-Cola and Mentos experiment by now. In this experiment, you can watch YouTube videos of a Mentos candy being placed inside a Coca-Cola bottle, creating an enormous explosion of foam. This chemical reaction is really a great illustration of what the fruit of increase can be in our lives.

Ever since I can remember entering into the ministry, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 has been one of my favorite verses. When we talk about increase, there's always an idea of more, but what I've come to learn is that the fruit of increase is always a two-part process.

For so many years, I became so focused on the fruit of the process of increase that I actually missed an essential part of the process itself.

Our founding Pastor used to say this: “I put the natural, and God puts in the super…and it becomes supernatural”. And that is the idea behind increasing.

The Apostle Paul says, "I planted,” meaning he put the seed of the Gospel in the hearts of people, and then “Apollos watered,” meaning he was the one discipling people and continuing to bless and help them, but then He brings a phrase: "God made it grow." In other words, God gave the increase.

In this two-part process, to get the fruit of increase, there is a part you will play, and there's a part God will play. The question is, what part do I need to play so that God can bless it and increase it? Maybe you want a stronger spiritual life this year. But are you seeking God in a way that allows him to bless you? If you want to grow your company, you are trusting God with that growth. What is the part you have to do? Is it promotion, personnel, or perhaps a better management system? Whatever that may be, you have to do your part so that God can grow your efforts. The fruit of increase is the result of my efforts in line with God’s blessings.

So whatever endeavors you're trying to increase this year, the Apostle Paul is encouraging us to do our part and let God do the growing and the increasing because that's His part.

Reflections & Application:

1. Think: In which specific area am I desiring an increase this year (e.g., spiritual discipline, financial health, a particular relationship, professional skill)?

2. Write down: “your natural.” What part can you do? What is the measurable, actionable "planting" step I commit to this week (e.g., dedicating 15 minutes to focused study, making three networking contacts, implementing a new management tool)?

3. Pray: How will I intentionally seek God regarding this area—not just for the result, but for wisdom on the process?

4. Start looking for those opportunities. How will I document and acknowledge the small signs of increase ("the fruit") as they appear?

Prayer Points:

• Clarity to define my part in the area of desired increase.
• Diligence to consistently "plant the seed" and "water it" without becoming weary.
• Trust to surrender the outcome and the timing to God. The growth is His alone.
• Eyes to see the opportunities He provides for me to act upon.