"Fruit"

"Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" Matthew 7:16

So many Christians think it's all about the "power"- power to do miracles, heal the sick, cast out devils, etc. That is part of what we have been commissioned to do, and God has empowered us to do His works through the Holy Spirit. But it is also about our "fruit".

Christians should be identified by their love, by joy, by peace and so on. Jesus didn't say that we would be known as His disciples by the miracles that are performed through our lives. Or by the number of demons that we cast out in His name. Or by how many people are healed as a result of our hands being laid on them. But He did say that they would know that we belong to Him by our fruit. He also said that men would know that we are His disciples if we walk in love toward each other.

Let me ask you this morning-- are you casting out devils yet you are abusive to your spouse? Are you laying hands on the sick and they are recovering, but you are arrogant and full of pride? Are you teaching and preaching the word of God, yet you are mean spirited and treat others badly? Are you doing the work of the Lord but you cuss your children out and you act like a tyrant in your home? Then something is wrong! Don't let the fact that you are doing many wonderful works in Jesus name deceive you into thinking that "all is well". It's not according to the rest of Matthew 7. And the Bible tells us that even the devils can do "signs and wonders".

We are told to be imitators of Christ. That means more than just in the area of works-- the first imitation is in the nature. And His nature is that of love. "Fruit" and "works" should both be evident in the Christian's life. But the works are not the proof of your Christianity, the fruit is.

Have a great day. Even the devil can imitate Christ's works, but he can't imitate His nature- the "fruit".

For further reading:
Matthew 7:16-23; 24:24
John 13:35
2 Thessalonians 2:9
Galatians 5:22-23
Ephesians 5:1-5