When Life Gives You Apples, Make Applesauce: Six Lessons About Spiritual Life

Six lessons about spiritual life from applesauce

It is the season for apples and there are so many amazing things that can be done with this very versatile fruit–“Apple antics,” if I may quote Mary Alice. Last weekend, my husband and I performed our own yearly “apple antics,” and made applesauce. It is something we have done for years. Honestly, he started the tradition before I ever came on board, but I think it is easier for two of us than just one, and it’s a bonding experience. We live near a family-owned orchard that produces the most spectacular apples every fall. We always make sure to get some, and you know what they say, “when life gives you apples, make applesauce!” Here are six lessons about spiritual life from the applesauce.

1. The size of the apple doesn’t matter.

Depending on the variety of the apple, the size may vary. From the small Tiddly Pomme, which is about the size of a golf ball, to the large Hokuto , which  can weigh over four pounds, apples delight and fascinate fruit fans. Textures and colors also vary. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Rome, Fuji or Golden Delicious are all good for the making of applesauce and even improve the sauce when mixed together. It is the quality, not the size of the apple that counts, so when life gives you apples, make applesauce!

Similarly, the scriptures remind us that God does not judge by the outward appearance. “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

This may be because …

2. Sometimes the outside hides something unpleasant that needs to be cut away before the apple goes into the pot.

When we purchase the apples for our applesauce, we usually purchase “seconds.” Those are the ones that have obvious little flaws. An apple may have a bruise. It may have a spot or blemish. It may be an odd shape. Sometimes there is even a blemish on the inside. Although apples with those conditions may not be sold at prime price, they are still very usable. When life gives you apples, even blemished ones, make applesauce!

As we cut the apples into slices and cubes to go into our pot, all the imperfections are cut away, leaving the delicious, perfect pieces for the sauce. 

However, once in a while, there is an apple that has … ummmm … shall we say … passed its prime. Looking them over, I can always find at least a small portion to use.

No person is perfect, but our Lord does not reject us because of our blemishes. Psalm 139:23-24 says, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

3. Patience is required. Good applesauce takes a while.

We usually plan a whole day, just for applesauce. It never helps to get in a hurry. Cooking the apples down on low with a little cider and a little lemon juice is the key to getting a good consistency. Of course, that means it needs to be stirred often and the temperature controlled so the sauce doesn’t scorch. It takes patience.

The scriptures tell us that patience is a fruit of the spirit. In this case, I guess it’s an apple.

“Patience leads to abundant understanding, but impatience leads to stupid mistakes” (Proverbs 14:29).

“Let’s not get tired of doing good, because in time we’ll have a harvest if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9).

4. Although the apples are crushed and “tried by fire,” they are still apples.

Let’s face it, regardless of which way it’s sliced, peeled, or cooked, an apple is an apple, is an apple, and when life gives you apples–you know the drill!–make applesauce!

I guess it’s the same with people of faith. Second Corinthians 4:8-12 explains, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.”

5. The aroma changes the atmosphere.

I walked out to the creek after we had finished peeling. The apples were already beginning to bubble in the pot. When I walked back into the house, the smell was incredible. No mistaking it–APPLES!

As the cooking process finished, cinnamon was added to the pot. It wasn’t long before that spicy aroma joined the scent of apple. I’m telling you, that is the fragrance of autumn!

Did you know that faith has a scent, as well? Second Corinthians 2:14-15: “But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.  For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” 

As Christians, we should be changing the atmosphere around us. Instead of chaos, we should be spreading peace; instead of indifference, we should be spreading charity; instead of error, we should be spreading truth. Imagine the changes that would take place if every one of us just decided to spread some love. The atmosphere would change!

6. There is a process for preserving the applesauce

Obviously, one can’t just throw mashed apples into a jar, put on a lid, and claim it     as traditional applesauce. The prepared apples need to be cooked with additional ingredients such as a little cider and a little lemon juice. The proper consistency must be reached before it is ready to be “canned.”

Then the canning jars must be sterilized to kill the bacteria and make the saucesafe for consumption, even months after it has been prepared. The rims and lids must be wiped clean before the jar is sealed. Then the sealed jars are processed in boiling water again. After the jars of sauce are removed and begin to cool, the lids “pop” to prove they are sealed and safe, and the job is done.

Becoming a good disciple of Christ is also a process. Second Timothy 2:15 encourages us to “Study to show yourself approved by God, a workman who needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

By studying we become “ready in season and out.”  We can preach the word; rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction (2 Timothy 4:1-2).

Like Apples of Gold …

I guess the literal apple and the fruit of the Spirit have a lot in common. So, when life gives you apples, make applesauce! Like Golden Delicious apples in silver pots, is good instruction, OR as Solomon said it: “Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances” (Proverbs 25:11).