The concept of fruitfulness is one of the central themes in the Bible, originating from God’s first command to humanity. It signifies more than physical reproduction; it encompasses every aspect of our lives—spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and even creatively.
God’s expectation for us as His children is to bear fruit in all we do, reflecting His glory and fulfilling His purposes on earth. The innovations and technological advancements we see today are part of God’s provision, given to help us achieve this mandate, this is what gave birth to a term called digital ministry. To truly understand this, we need to explore what it means to be fruitful and how it applies to everything we use and create.
You should read this article on Theological and Biblical Foundations for Digital Ministry to complement this insightful post.
The First Command: Be Fruitful
The first commandment God gave to man was centered on fruitfulness. In Genesis 1:28, God says to Adam and Eve, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” The mandate to be fruitful was not just about biological reproduction but also about maximizing every resource, gift, and opportunity that God has placed in our hands.
God’s definition of fruitfulness encompasses all that we do. It’s about producing results and making an impact in everything we engage in—our relationships, our work, our creativity, and even in how we utilize technology. When God gave Adam dominion, He expected him to develop, explore, and bring forth the potential in creation. This call to fruitfulness still stands today, but it must be approached through the lens of Christ.
The Disruption of Fruitfulness and the New Commandment
Unfortunately, the plan for fruitfulness was disrupted when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. Their rebellion severed humanity’s perfect connection with God, introducing sin and brokenness into the world. As a result, the fruitfulness God intended became marred. Instead of producing good fruits that honor God, humanity began to produce fruits of sin, disobedience, and self-centeredness.
To restore us to the original purpose, Jesus Christ came and gave a new commandment regarding fruitfulness. In John 15:4-5, He says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
This statement is powerful. It reveals that the only way we can bear the fruits that God desires is by being connected to Christ. The fruitfulness that comes from being in Christ is the only kind that can remain and fulfill God’s eternal purposes. In John 15:16, Jesus says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” This lasting fruit is possible only when we are in Christ, because it is through Him and for Him that all things were created (Colossians 1:16).
Using Innovations for God’s Glory: The Purpose Behind Every Provision
If we look closely at the various innovations and technological advancements of our day, it’s clear that God has been working through human creativity. From the internet and artificial intelligence to social media and virtual reality, each of these tools has potential for great good when used according to God’s purpose. But what is this purpose?
The Scripture teaches that “all things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made” (John 1:3). Everything exists because of Christ and for Christ. This means that every technological tool, every innovation, and every creative idea is part of God’s provision for us. Its ultimate purpose is to be used in a way that glorifies Him. We are to be fruitful with the use of these tools, ensuring that everything we produce through them brings honor to God and advances His kingdom.
Why Do Unbelievers Seem to Dominate Innovation?
This leads us to a common question: Why do many of these innovations appear to come from unbelievers? Shouldn’t Christians, as God’s children, be the forerunners in creativity and technological advancements?
The answer lies in understanding the broader mandate of dominion and fruitfulness. When God created man, He gave the dominion mandate to all humanity, not just to believers. Genesis 1:26 states, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” This mandate is universal, given to every person on earth, whether they acknowledge God or not.
Jesus Himself acknowledged in Matthew 5:45 that God “makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” As God’s physical blessings are available to all, so are His intellectual and creative gifts. Unbelievers often tap into these provisions through diligence, hard work, and exploration of the resources that God has placed in the world. However, without a connection to Christ, they lack the divine purpose and guidance needed to use these innovations for God’s glory.
The True Purpose of Innovation: Discovering and Fulfilling God’s Original Design
As believers, we are called to approach innovation differently. We are to discover the initial purpose behind these provisions and use them for the reason God intended. But we can only do this by being in Christ. Colossians 1:16 affirms, “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible… All things were created through Him and for Him.” This means that all things, including technological advancements, must ultimately point back to Christ and fulfill His purposes.
When we are in Christ, we receive the wisdom to discern how to use innovations like AI, social media, and other technologies in a way that glorifies God. This might look like using social media to spread the Gospel, employing AI to analyze data for effective ministry strategies, or utilizing VR to create immersive worship experiences that draw people closer to God. The key is to use these tools in Christ and for Christ, always seeking to bear the kind of fruit that honors God and impacts the world for His kingdom.
Bearing Fruit in a Technological Age: Our Responsibility as Believers
Our responsibility, therefore, is not just to reject every new technology or to view it with suspicion. Instead, we must approach every new advancement with the mindset of a steward. 1 Corinthians 4:2 reminds us, “Moreover, it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” We are to be faithful stewards of the innovations God has placed in the world, using them to bear fruit that will last.
The difference between us and the world is not in the availability of resources but in our purpose and intention. We use these tools not for self-glorification or worldly gain but to glorify God and make Him known. We are called to show the world the true purpose of every provision—revealing Christ through our fruitfulness.
Conclusion: Fruitfulness in Christ, For Christ
In conclusion, God’s demand for fruitfulness has not changed. His original command in Genesis has been renewed and restored through Christ. Today, He calls us to be fruitful in every area of our lives, including how we use technology and engage with innovation. The purpose of every provision—be it creativity, technology, or resources—is to bear fruit that remains in Christ and brings glory to God.
As we abide in Christ, let us explore, discover, and utilize every innovation for His glory, knowing that everything was created through Him and for Him. By doing so, we fulfill our mandate of dominion and fruitfulness, shining as a light in a world that desperately needs to see the true purpose of God’s creation.