Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Matthew 7:15-23

“By their fruit you will recognise them … ” (v.16)

What do the fruits of my life reveal about me? It takes humility and courage to ask that question. But it’s a vital question to ask the Lord Jesus, and oneself, and even a close and trusted Christian friend from time to time. In all honesty, it’s probably not enough only to inspect one’s own life (important as that is) because we all have blind-spots. If you doubt that, just consider the many times someone has pointed out that you have a crumb at the corner of your mouth, a spot on your shirt, or a hair growing out of your face somewhere. Even in everyday life, others can help us to spot things we miss. How much more would that prove true of our character, our attitudes and the effects of our behaviour on others.

It takes great courage to ask that question, but even greater courage to listen to the answer. Most of all, it takes courage to accept the truthful answer given in love (whether by oneself, the Lord or a friend) and to act on it to effect the necessary changes.

But remember … while changing our attitudes and behaviours takes great effort on our behalf, the only true source of the life-giving power to produce the good fruit of a Christlike character is a healthy, open, honest, committed, loving, free-flowing fellowship with Jesus. Being connected to Jesus keeps us open to the inflowing of the life-giving, fruit-producing power of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, when Jesus identifies false prophets in v.23, the issue is that they “never knew” Jesus. Their relationship with Jesus was the problem. They produced bad fruit because the connection to the Vine was just not there.

LORD, give me courage! I invite You to shine a spotlight on my life, my behaviours, my character and my heart, whether through Your Spirit in my inmost being or through the truth spoken in love by others. When that spotlight reveals blemishes on the fruit of my life, give me the courage to accept the truth in humility and to draw close to You for the life-giving power to be healed and transformed. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.