I have no idea what kind of labor is involved in keeping a fig tree, but I do understand that both our physical labor and spiritual labor bear fruit in our lives...what we sow we will also reap. Our spiritual labor here on earth is very often hard, unappreciated and even at times, despised by those around us. Press on and take heart. God has got you covered. Our God strengthens and blesses those who wait on Him
Proverbs 27:19 above says the following:
As in water face reflects face,
So a man's heart reveals the man.
The unbeliever’s heart is corrupt and bears the image of the earthly. We who believe have been sanctified by His Spirit...our hearts bear the image of the heavenly. Be diligent then, to allow the Holy Spirit to keep your heart with all diligence by comparing it with the word of God and allowing it to guide you in His way.
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.—Hebrews 4:12
Beloved, sow to the Spirit. Our God honors those who serve Him faithfully saying...
Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'—Matthew 25:23
Sow knowing that it is God who gives the increase
Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.—1 Corinthians 3:5-8
Sow knowing that our God is neither unjust or forgetful...
For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.—Hebrews 6:10-12
Sow knowing that God is not mocked...
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.—Galatians 6:7-8
Sow without growing weary...
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.—Galatians 6:9-10
Sow in tears...
Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.—Psalm 126:5-6
Sow in Hope...
Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? 9 For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain." Is it oxen God is concerned about? 10 Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope.—1 Corinthians 9:8-10
Sow with view to righteousness...
Sow with a view to righteousness,
Reap in accordance with kindness;
Break up your fallow ground,
For it is time to seek the Lord
Until He comes to rain righteousness on you.
—Hosea 10:12
Sow bountifully...
Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;read more.
as it is written,
“He scattered abroad, he gave to the poor,
His righteousness endures forever.”
Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.—2 Corinthians 9:6-11
Sow with an eye on the prize...
The wicked man does deceptive work,
But he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward.—Proverbs 11:18
Sow knowing that judgment will come...
“They sow the wind,
And reap the whirlwind.—Hosea 8:7
You have plowed wickedness, you have reaped injustice,
You have eaten the fruit of lies.
Because you have trusted in your way, in your numerous warriors,—Hosea 10:13
Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. 15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe." 16 So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.—Revelation 14:14-16
