Quality of the tree

Matthew 7:16-20 (ESV)

16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

Most of us when reading this passage tend to focus in on the fruit that is produced. Okay...But a closer look will reveal that the Lord is really focusing on the tree. The fruit merely demonstrates the quality of the tree. We have all encountered this: there are trees whose fruit is healthy and delicious, and there are trees whose fruit is scarcely edible, or even useless.

The fruit doesn't make the tree -- the tree makes the fruit. A tree that produces good fruit is firmly rooted in soil which provides adequate water and nourishment. Likewise, those of us whose lives are rooted in and dedicated to Jesus produce good fruit.

So we need to stop trying to produce good works in our own strength. We need to tap into the Source of our life, Jesus, allowing the sap of His Spirit to flow through us – and then watch what GREAT FRUIT He is continually able to produce!

Dear Lord, we pray that today that we will allow Your spirit to flow through us so that the fruit that we produce will be excellent in Your sight. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.