WE HAD A CHERRY TREE when we first moved into our house and I LOVE cherries. I was super excited, but as the years went by this tree did not produce any good fruit, even with my care of it. One day, I got Scriptural on it and cut it down. It was now just blocking my sun.
“Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” Matthew 7:19-20
I have heard a lot of people use this Scripture to support their good WORKS, but this isn’t about good works. Anyone can serve, anyone can go on a mission to help, anyone can give, and a lot do; most love those who love them. But what’s your FRUIT? What’s coming out of you? What wake are you leaving behind you?
What words are you speaking? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Is it all about you? Your fruit is pride. Do you talk about people, telling others their faults? Your fruit is gossip. Do you secretly slander? Do you speak ill of your pastor and church? Your fruit is division. Do you walk according to the sinful flesh? Your fruit is carnality. How you run your home, parent your kids, treat the brethren- either by gathering or forsaking, worship a holy God, your talk, your walk, and your actions display your FRUIT.
BUT, do you seek reconciliation? Your fruit is peace. Do you walk according to the Spirit? Your fruit is righteousness. Do you cover others sins? Your fruit is love. Do you encourage, instruct, correct, cry or laugh with the brethren? Then your fruit is goodness. Are you slow to take offense and quick to forgive? Your fruit is self control. Do others avoid you or are they drawn to you? Maybe people don’t want anything to do with you because your fruit is self: self exaltation, self pity, self isolation, self centered mess and selfishness. Make no mistake, you will be known by your fruit.
To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page