Known by Your Fruit

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.  (Matthew 7:18-20)

Let’s look at four more signs of our faith. As you read these, keep an open mind and a humble heart, and allow the Lord to point out any areas you might need to tackle.

1. Do you love the world?
Many folks find their fulfillment in how much money they have made, the position they had, or their fame. If your fulfillment is based upon what you have, what you have received, and how you appear to other people; you are sucked into the world system. A Christian (someone who knows Christ) is not connected to the world system. We may have to live in this world, but our values are not based on how much we have, and how we appear to other people. It is not who we are by the world’s standard, but rather whose we are that makes all the difference.

2. Do you hurt for the hurting?
If you see people in pain and you want to help them in a practical way out of that pain, whether it costs you money, time or words of encouragement; that says something about your nature. Jesus met people’s needs. He did not heal everyone, but those He came in contact with, He did heal. Word got out and He met their needs, and people rushed toward Him. We should strive to have the same priority, to help those who need help and hurt with those who are hurting, if we want to impact the world for Christ.

3. Do you sense His Spirit?
When you become a follower of Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside of you. From that moment on, you have access to the Holy Spirit always and forever. As you walk through life, the Holy Spirit will guide you, lead you, direct you, comfort you, and intercede for you when you need it. He is your constant companion through every mountaintop moment and every valley-filled season. If you are a Christian, you should sense the Spirit working, leading, and speaking in your life.

4. Do you happily continue to sin?
If you are a child of God, you will never be happy living in a life of sin. If you are a child of God, you will either try to get out of that sin or die trying to do so. You will break that sinful habit and not be happy until that stronghold is pulled down. You will live the rest of your life, trying to see God's power overcome your weakness.

I hope you will take time this week to pray over these two lists and that you will humbly ask the Lord to help you to grow in each of these areas. When you experience real growth here, your life will glorify Jesus and point others to Him.