“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives.” (Proverbs 11:30)
As I prepare for bed each evening, I need to look back on the day and evaluate what kind of fruit did I offer to people who might have been hungry for encouragement or compassion or wise advice or for spiritual insight.
Was the tree of my life a source of blessing to them?
Or was there nothing hanging from the branches of my words and actions that was appealing or helpful to them?
God created me to help people toward a relationship with Him.
Not because I’m their Savior but instead because His Son IS their only hope for a better life here and in eternity.
If people find help and blessing and a good example of faith when they see me, then my “tree” is just doing what it was created to do — help save spiritual lives.
It’s true that caring, competent Christians can have a part in saving physical lives as well when it comes to advising people on how to avoid destructive behaviors or lifestyle patterns.
But it’s the soul that is eternal and it’s the souls of others that should be our primary concern.
That was Jesus’ primary concern while He was on the earth.
People need hope. People need to know where to find fruit that is truthful and tasty.
People need to find Jesus for that is what will save their lives.
Please join me in asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to us anything hindering our bearing of more good fruit, whether it be an overt sin of the flesh or a subtle, insecurity-based sin permeating through our attitude and words.
Here’s an excellent passage to help us with this needed refinement:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)
Now that’s some tasty fruit, huh?
As always, I love you
Martin
