The Fruit of Your Life

"A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit."

Matthew 7:17

Jesus offers the metaphor of trees and fruit in order to help his disciples identify false prophets. Even if their message seems to be acceptable, the tangible results of their teaching will reveal its deeper quality. The proclamations of false prophets will not contribute to the growth of the kingdom of God. They might beguile and please, but they will not produce mature disciples who live as active members of the community of Christ.

The principle of trees and fruit can also be applied to our own lives. We might think we're living in a way that honors God. But the fruit of our lives tells the true story. And fruit, unlike intentions or delusions, is visible and measurable.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: Take some time to reflect upon your life. Is the fruit of God's kingdom growing from your tree? Has your life influenced people for God? Has anyone ever become a Christian because of your influence? Have people grown as disciples because of you? Does your workplace reflect aspects of the kingdom of God because of your influence? Is your family growing in faith because of you? What will people say about you at your memorial service?

PRAYER: Once again, Lord, your teaching is simple and to the point. The truthfulness and value of our lives will be evidenced by our "fruit." This principle offers more than a way to identify false prophets. It also gives me a vantage point from which to take a long, hard look at my own life.

Open my eyes, Lord, to see myself as you see me. Help me to examine the fruit of my life honestly. Don't let me fool myself with familiar rationalizations.

Am I producing the fruit of your kingdom in my life? Really?

What is keeping me from living fruitfully?

How can I bear more fruit for you?

Dear Lord, may I so live in you each day that I bear abundant fruit, by your grace and power. Amen.