No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thorn bushes, or grapes from briers. - Luke 6:43-44
How do you know the difference between a good fruit and a bad fruit? In a practical sense, even if it is not your favorite sweet treat, you know what to look out for regarding the taste and texture of a potentially hazardous berry. Bad fruit will enter your body and can cause discomfort and pain. Good fruit is processed by the body and is useful for growth and vitality of all the necessary systems related to everyday function.
When Jesus brings up the idea of "bearing fruit" he is not just trying to get readers and listeners to think about their behavior, but something much deeper. He wants them to think about what it means to be a productive member of the body of Christ. Are they compatible with the Kingdom mindset that Jesus is conveying or does their life look more like it is only about their own survival or pleasure?
Living the Christian life is not something we can subscribe to now and throw away when we are bored of it. It is a passionate system of care, obedience, and self denial that shows the world who Jesus truly is by our actions. It is possible for us to bear good fruit but impossible to do so for any extended period without Christ. We could put on a great show, but ultimately have no measurable difference in the Kingdom if we are not dependent on Him. Living contrary to what Jesus teaches eventually creates and abrasive feeling within us that can evolve into bitterness and eventually a loss of faith altogether. Christ died for all and if we care enough than let's live it out loud.
Seek to live a fruitful life. Make yourself useful for Jesus.
Prayer for today: Jesus, I know my life is not perfect but I ask that you lead me daily to look more and more like you. Fill me with your love. Amen
This post was written by Rev DeCrastos. You can find his blog here: ministrysauce.com
How do you know the difference between a good fruit and a bad fruit? In a practical sense, even if it is not your favorite sweet treat, you know what to look out for regarding the taste and texture of a potentially hazardous berry. Bad fruit will enter your body and can cause discomfort and pain. Good fruit is processed by the body and is useful for growth and vitality of all the necessary systems related to everyday function.
When Jesus brings up the idea of "bearing fruit" he is not just trying to get readers and listeners to think about their behavior, but something much deeper. He wants them to think about what it means to be a productive member of the body of Christ. Are they compatible with the Kingdom mindset that Jesus is conveying or does their life look more like it is only about their own survival or pleasure?
Living the Christian life is not something we can subscribe to now and throw away when we are bored of it. It is a passionate system of care, obedience, and self denial that shows the world who Jesus truly is by our actions. It is possible for us to bear good fruit but impossible to do so for any extended period without Christ. We could put on a great show, but ultimately have no measurable difference in the Kingdom if we are not dependent on Him. Living contrary to what Jesus teaches eventually creates and abrasive feeling within us that can evolve into bitterness and eventually a loss of faith altogether. Christ died for all and if we care enough than let's live it out loud.
Seek to live a fruitful life. Make yourself useful for Jesus.
Prayer for today: Jesus, I know my life is not perfect but I ask that you lead me daily to look more and more like you. Fill me with your love. Amen
This post was written by Rev DeCrastos. You can find his blog here: ministrysauce.com
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