There’s a guy in the church I attend… He’s a professional, trained “tree guy.” He can tell a lot about a tree my simply looking at it. He’s so good he can look at the quality of a tree’s leaves or fruit and give you reliable information about a tree’s health and what kind of tree it is (even before it produces fruit).
Now, I’m not a “tree guy” – but I know one thing, apple trees do not produce oranges – pear trees don’t give us apricots!
So here’s the deal… I read these important, insightful words in the Bible this morning on the subject of “fruit” – better, words about those who claim to be “Christians!”
“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for a tree is known by its fruit!” (Something the “tree guy” would agree with – and even I know!)
Then Jesus went on to apply the principle… “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks! The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak! For by your words you will be justified [declared righteous – right with God] and by your words you will be condemned.” (From Matthew 12:33-37 ESV)
After reading those words this morning during “coffee with the Lord” I jotted this in the margin of my Bible… “Watch out! It matters a lot what you say! That’s a ‘fruit issue!” But at a deeper level a ‘fruit issue’ is really a ‘heart issue!” Listen… I want what I say to exhibit “good fruit” – but more than that, I want my “heart” to produce fruit in keeping with what I claim to be, a “Christian!” Hey, there’s a Divine “fruit guy” – and he knows both “fruit” and “trees!”
Circumstances, a physical diagnosis, news reports, a bank statement or investment report, or a letter or phone call, can produce fear, dread, even despair in our hearts!
Life is stressful these days! I don’t have to remind you of that, do I? The pace of life… the atmosphere of life… the demands of family and vocation… the pressures others place upon us… all are potential “ulcer makers” and the stuff of “emotional-breakdowns.” “Burnout” is a popular term related to the cultural context in which we live today.
