ORCHARDS OF TRUTH
"A good tree can't produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can't produce good fruit. So, every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions."
Matthew 7:18-20 (NLT)
Continuing our theme of not judging others, let's reflect on the importance of using spiritual truths to see and protect ourselves from deception as we follow Jesus, living in the world, not of it. In Matthew, Jesus gives both a warning and an example of how to be mindful of the company we keep and whom we choose to follow. He tells us, "A good tree produces good fruit, while a bad one produces bad fruit." Essentially, what is produced reveals what is rooted within.
Someone claiming to be an apple tree (a believer) may produce what looks like apples, but sadly, they're full of worms, making the fruit rotten and inedible. Or, in a similar way, someone may outwardly appear like a sheep but inwardly live like a wolf and lead others down the wrong paths. This is why spiritual discernment matters. Some may not know what good fruit looks like, nor do they recognize the true nature of a sheep. But Jesus reminds us in the book of John that if we know the truth, then the truth will set us free.
The Bible reminds us throughout that we should not judge others. Matthew 7:20 says we can identify people by their actions. But we should be careful not to confuse judgment with discernment.
Let's allow the Spirit to guide us into the truth, so we don't fall prey to deception. When we choose to follow the truth, there will likely be backlash. The enemy will try to blur the line between judgment and discernment. But remember, light and darkness cannot exist in the same space. Light reveals what is hidden, while darkness conceals the truth.
APPLICATION: Test your beliefs against the Word of God, what is true in your life, and what would be considered bad fruit. Ask God to prune and, if necessary, remove that tree from your life. This is so you can be fruitful for the Kingdom.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for the parables so we can understand life better. Help me apply them to my life so that the enemy does not deceive me. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?