MATERIAL SENSE of FRUIT – Some material thing to eat, and then the benefit gained wears out, and you have to eat again.
HOARDING: (to accumulate money or food for future use in a hidden, guarded place) hoarding has often been given a negative connotation … (usually occurring because of fear of future lack, personal concern, without consideration for one’s neighbor, and without the understanding that God meets every human need).
“Day by day the manna fell”. (Hymn 46:1) We have to be careful not to outline, because sometimes our daily need might be met by God’s instruction to be prepared ahead of time. Or we might be fed/supplied by another’s graciousness and mercy.
But, we if we have accumulated a negative sense of gathering and warehousing for future by concluding that such activity is ALWAYS hoarding, and therefore an absolute no-no… we may not listen to God’s command to store if and when we are told, on occasion, to store for the future. If God tells us to store for future need, we had better listen-up.
STORING materially: Stockpiling is a right idea – if and when God guides us to store and prepare for His future assignment(s).
Joseph was guided by God and foresaw seven years of plenty to be followed by seven years of draught. He was led to make provisions to store enough grain to bless Egypt, Egypt’s neighbours, and Joseph’s own family..
Noah received commandment to make provision and store up for a lengthly trip to save himself, his family and animals.
The widow woman was told to gather pots for an upcoming inflow of oil- and to gather not a few.
In the Exodus from Egypt, the children of Israel were told to take with them precious metals (silver and gold), raiment, flocks, and unleavened cakes of dough.
SPIRITUAL SENSE OF FRUIT – Spiritual Food (Truth) ends material desire and lack;
Jesus said, (John 4:14 14), “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. The water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit.( John 15:1-17 )
Spiritual Fruitage: Teaching, healing sin, disease and death; being a Good Samaritan
STORING spiritually: The parable of the 10 Virgins teaches spiritual preparedness for today and tomorrow.
Reading the Bible Lesson prepares for infinite good, and diverts difficulties and disasters.
Prophylactic. Therapeutic
Jesus said, “Store up treasures in heaven” Mt. 19:20 “Feed my sheep.” John 21
Hymnal 139:3: Give of your hearts rich overflow”
Oh to have Jesus’ sense of on-demand supply (when feeding the 5,000 men + women and children Luke 9:12-17) … Special Delivery from Spirit!… not from warehoused fish and bread!