With care I cut a slice of the bright red strawberry and tasted it. Bland. Okay, maybe another one will have more flavor. Bummer, it too is bland. Okay, how about the third? Nope. Bland. Turns out the entire clam shell of gorgeous fruit was similar. Pretty on the outside, while the inside left much to be desired.
You probably know where this is going. Let’s ponder a Scripture to lead the way:
“By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So, by their fruits you will know them.”
[Matthew 7:16-20]
We can learn much relative to our human condition from a box of fruit. For example:
Fruit that looks good may not taste good. Are we a ‘look good Christian’ whose actions and behaviors lack the flavor of compassion and love?
Fruit that has not been cared for—fertilizer, sun, rain—is often dry and shriveled. Do we fertilize our hearts and minds with God’s wisdom, allow the Son to shine His truth upon us, or allow the water of the Word to lead and guide us throughout the day?
Fruit that is scarce amid an abundance of greenery may indicate the need for different, or additional nourishment. Do we feed our hearts, spirits, emotions, and thoughts with healthy doses of Scripture, prayer, praise, and gratitude for all the blessings God pours out upon us?
Fruit that fails to mature may mean we need to move the plant or tree to another location. Does the same hold true for you and me with regard to where, or with whom, we choose to spend our time?
Fruit that is left on the vine or bush will fall to the ground and rot. Do we let the blessings of the gifts God has been given us to share with others succumb in a similar manner?
While the exhortation and admonitions found in the Matthew Scripture may seem harsh, it seems helpful to remember these Spirit-inspired words are to serve as a guidepost, a light on our path, to encourage us to be the loving people God has created us to be. Nothing more, nothing less.
What kind of fruit do I produce?
When the fruit lacks flavor, do I ask God to help me with the next step?
How do I feel about “by their fruits you will know them?”
