“But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:4.

Recently, I repotted my fiddle leaf fig. Because this past winter, and what seemed for no reason at all, it started to die. In fact, every week I’d casually walk by to notice that another green leaf had thrown itself to the floor when I wasn’t looking. My plan though, was to save it.

We are not talking about the most basic of plant care here. Because I did some research—after the fact—which makes me the worst plant keeper, clearly. I quickly learned the fiddle fig doesn’t like it’s roots free, preferring cozy and cramped. Hmmm? Then, I read it likes an occasional drink of water to a bath. Ok, sorry. Its hunter green leaves need light, but also SPF 50, I guess it’s a sensitive soul. Awe! Oh, and it demands more food in growing season but hold back while the tree is winter napping. Got it! Basically, my fig chooses not to be fussed with, which overall makes it extremely fussy, I think. 

So, I confess. I didn’t really notice my failing fig tree, until I noticed it. What I mean is, in the caring sense, is that by the time I paid attention to its droopy and dropping leaves it was almost too late. In short, I was pretty casual with its care and not devoted to keeping it alive…at all. 

Sometimes my care for my spiritual life is the same. I glance at my Bible to chew on a few quick verses. I roll off a few fast prayers to make the day complete. When I see the above verse from Acts though, I am reminded…Jesus doesn’t call me to casual comfort and care, He calls my heart to dedicated devotion. There is a difference.  

To devote myself to something means to be strong by giving unremitting care to it. It’s not a “notice it every few days” type of attention either. Just like my fiddle fig, our spirits require consuming care. At least, that’s the lesson I take with me as I read another story about another fig tree: 

“The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, ‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again.’ And the disciples heard him say it.” (Matthew 11: 12-14 NIV) 

I admit, the first time I read this passage I felt like Jesus’ reaction toward the tree was a bit harsh, if not uncaring. I mean, why not let the fruitless fig live? But Jesus knows we only flourish when our lives are sustained and deeply rooted in devotion to Him. And because He love us—He wants us to authentically grow. 

When I consider prayer, what it does in my life and grows in my spirit, I understand that I cannot live without it. In fact, the more closely connected to Jesus I am—the more empowered I am to grow in ways I cannot manufacture on my own. We can look to Acts to instruct us again on where to place our effort, saying, “…the disciples were continually devoting themselves to prayer.” (Acts 1:14). An ongoing conversation and relationship with God will keep us vibrantly responding to the love He lavishes on us. We flourish, we bear fruit, we grow, because prayer keeps us planted.

Let’s read further into Matthew, too, and see that the fig tree Jesus cursed did die. But Jesus points the disciples to life, by encouraging them to practice outrageous faith, bold prayers, and undeserved forgiveness (vs. 22-24). I want to devote myself to these things as well. So now, when I feel all withery and worn I know what to do. 

Also, you might be glad to know my fiddle fig is still alive, growing two new leaves this week! I also bought another fiddle fig plant…a fake one…cause, shew, I only have so much devotion to go around.