What tree is that?

At our old home we had a selection of trees.
Some we could identify when we first moved there, while others caused a lot of debate.
What exactly were they? It was only when they blossomed and fruited that we discovered what they truly were.

One tree in particular didn't look very good.
Once it fruited we discovered that it was a mandarin tree. The tree never looked that great and the fruit to be honest was even worse...
Another tree was large. It was only when it fruited we discovered it was a red plum tree...and they tasted amazing!

Jesus taught this...
Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. Luke 6:44 niv

We can call ourselves a Christian or a disciple, a believer or a follower of Jesus.
We can wear the 'right things' whatever they are.
Show up at all the 'right places' wherever they are.
But what really tells everyone around you who you really are, well it is actually your fruit.
Fruit is the defining characteristic. Fruit ends the debate...

So what fruit are you producing?
Is there a harvest of juicy goodness coming from your life?
What does the fruit you produce tell others about who you really are?
When people look at you, do the recognise what is coming from you matches what you say you are?

Challenging isn't it!!!
Maybe even a little scary for some of us if think about it...

I have learnt that is not hard to generate great fruit.

1. Feed yourself right
Fertilise your spirit with time with God. Talk to Him and try and listen back. Study scripture for yourself expecting to learn and hear from Him. Be with other faith filled believers as much as you can not just when you have spare time.



2. Act like what you are saying you are
Be doers of the Word and not just thinkers/studiers/critiquers. Jesus said that. James said the same thing. When you put what Jesus teaches us into practice your fruit begins to match. Sometimes we overthink it instead of doing it in faith.

Something to think about...