New Year – New Fruit Bearers?

Publisher Shari Johnson

WARNING! Opinion related material.

I believe Calhoun County, West Virginia is on the brink of great things. With new leadership at a National, State and County level; with people working for a different atmosphere of business we have the potential to write a future that has been unimaginable for decades.

What brings my optimism? A few new Christian leaders that are bold in their testimony and offer prayer before decisions. *Some of which are not playing church. A goal of transparent government for the people to create a level of trust that hasn’t been existent in decades. And what I believe was the proverbial straw that broke the Calhoun Camels back was, when those of us active in local meetings seen first hand a viper strike when it felt someone threatening the territory with change.

If you’re continuing to read, I’m going to take you to a strange place. A wedding.

John 2:1-11 KJV
And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: [2] And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. [3] And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. [4] Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. [5] His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. [6] And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. [7] Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. [8] And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. [9] When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, [10] And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. [11] This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

Cana would have been much like Calhoun. Everyone knew everybody and this event was a headliner! The community came together to celebrate the union and it literally lasted for days. So when the couple brought out the wine at the end of the event that was the “Crème de la crème” of wine, the leaders were shocked! Usually the event organizers served the worst of the wine toward the end of the event because people were too drunk to notice. But the leader noticed that this wasn’t the typical service. And it wasn’t because Jesus showed up in the community.

God cares about what’s happening in Calhoun County. God Himself ordained leadership as it’s set forth in our county Government. When people claim Christian leadership and behave contrary to God, the drunks may accept what they offer is good, but those who know what the truth taste like, are not fooled by their deceit, and appreciate the real thing when they experience it.

Am I taking scripture out of context? I don’t think so. A community is very much a union. It’s a union of people with the like-minded goal of taking care of one another.

I’ve been accused of being judgmental, self righteous, etc. Usually by leaders that I called out. Scripture tells us not to judge, right? Matthew 7:1, “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” The world’s favorite verse when they feel someone is closing in on the truth. They also may or may not have finished reading chapter 7 when Christ said: Matthew 7:15-20
[15] Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. [16] Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? [17] Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. [19] Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. [20] Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

In the last 50 years or so, that for which I have lived in Calhoun County, I’ve seen a lot of barren trees that should have been cut down and replanted with one that bears fruit. We are paying our government officials to do a job and if it doesn’t get done, then those officials need called out. That’s not judging, that’s being a the fruit inspectors we’re called to be in this community.

City Government is every bit as important as County Government. It is the central orchard in this County. It’s where businesses come to plant their seeds of prosperity. We need people who are willing to go out into the community and see what’s being served. Are you that person? Do you know someone who would be a good horticulturist?

I realize that I often speak in metaphors. Jesus said that it helped the medicine go down easier. But to state it clear, there are five council member positions, one recorder and one mayor position open in the Grantsville City Government. There are a few weeks to file for those positions and step up and into a position that will allow you to bear fruit and make this county a more productive place for people to live.

Pray about it. Be still and listen. Act on the answer God gives you.

#noapologies # RidgeviewNews #FruitInspector