FRUITFULNESS: PRODUCER OR CONSUMER?

Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise – Proverbs 6:6

Fruitfulness is productivity – the quality or state of being able to generate, create, enhance, or bring forth products. It is the ability to transform potential into products; becoming an effective Producer. To be fruitful is to be more of a Producer than a Consumer in life! It is unfortunate however, that the majority of people on earth are consumers! Fruitfulness and productivity mean being more of a Producer than a Consumer. Who is a Consumer? And who is a Producer? In the biological food chain, the distinction is that a producer makes its own food, while a consumer depends on other organisms for its food. This can be applied to life.

A consumer is someone who absorbs everything in sight but never adds value to others. A consumer is a waster of resources. A consumer is an entrance only; never an exit! In other words, everything stops in the hands of a consumer. A lifestyle of consumption is a reflection of laziness and slothfulness; while one of production is a demonstration of diligence: “The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute” (Pro.12:24). The Bible counsels every consumer to attend the University of the Ant for pertinent life lessons. The ant is known for its productivity habits, foresight, economy, diligence, and industry.

In contrast to consumers, producers are like wombs of creativity that conceive visions and give birth to realities. Producers discover what they can do and are not afraid to step up and do it. Producers understand and maximize their value in life. In material terms, producers build and invest wealth for their future rather than spend, or waste all their income in the present. Producers are innovative; they cultivate, expand and have great impact in their environment and influence over their society. Producers create and leave worthwhile legacies for a better future. Ultimately, producers decide how the lives of consumers should be: “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender” (Pro.22:7). Are you more of a producer than a consumer?