Bearing fruit in a timely manner

 Luke 13:6-9 says:

6 And He began telling this parable: “A man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any. 7 And he said to the vineyard-keeper, ‘Behold, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?’ 8 And he answered and said to him, ‘Let it alone, sir, for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer; 9 and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.’”

In Matthew 3:8, we are told to "bear fruit in keeping with repentance."  In Luke, Jesus tells a parable about a fig tree not bearing fruit.  The tree is to be cut down, as we will be if we are not  "bearing fruit in keeping with repentance."  But notice this as well, the tree is spared for a time while given every opportunity to bear fruit.  The tree is pampered and nourished so that it can bear fruit.  God gives us every opportunity to "bear fruit in keeping with repentance."  He has revealed Himself through His creation (Psalm 19:1).  He sent His Son to live among us (John 3:16).  He reveals Himself through His people (2 Cor. 5:20).  God has given us every opportunity to "bear fruit in keeping with repentance."  But there is a time limit.  As with the fig tree, there will come a time when there is no longer a chance to bear fruit and we will be cut down.  So take advantage of the fertilizer, and "bear fruit in keeping with repentance."