Jesus said, “By their fruit, you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:16 NIV)
Anybody can tell the difference between an apple tree and run-of-the-mill maple shade tree. Even if nearly blind, a person will eventually be able to discern that one tree has fruit and the other doesn’t.
Christians are called to bear fruit. It’s the expectation of God following our salvation.
If we don’t bear fruit, the question arises: Do we have faith?
For in God’s sight and in His Word, faith and fruit are inseparable.
You know the words of James, the brother of Jesus who wrote that faith without good deeds is useless.
James didn’t write that good deeds save our souls. The Bible is clear in that we’re saved by grace, not by works lest any man boast.
Good deeds DO, however, show that we have a saved and surrendered heart that wants to please God first.
James wrote, “Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions.” (2:21)
Notice that believers are “shown right” by actions, not made right by actions.
Listen, wearing a wedding ring doesn’t make you married, but it is worn to show others that you are married.
And if, when you leave the house, you take off the ring, what does that say about your marriage?
There should be no mistaken identity when it comes to what others — including God — perceive about our faith.
We breathe. We worship.
We breathe. We serve.
We breathe. We give.
We breathe. We forgive.
It really is that simple as our living faith is demonstrated in every corner of our lives.
Is there somebody at work or on your neighborhood street who doesn’t know you’re a Christian? Do they see the fruit of a saved life?
Let’s pray for wisdom and humility so that if anybody in our circle of influence doesn’t know we’re Christians, we’ll clearly love and serve them in an unmistakably Christian manner.
For how can we share a faith with them if they don’t know that we have it?
As always, I love you
Martin
