The art of recognizing good fruit?
An interesting thing has transpired in my life. God has brought me to the place where I do not ever feel the need to judge another in regard to their salvation when they profess to believe and follow Jesus, but don't live like it.
In truth I know there are those who say they believe in and follow Jesus, but really are not saved (1John 2:4), but I also know that Christians can make bad choices and operate in "worldly wisdom" which manifests itself in Selfish Ambition and Bitter Envy which results in disorder and every evil practice (James 3). Also, I know that even Christians can oppose other Christians and the work God is wanting to do, falling into the trap of the devil being taken captive to do his will (2Timothy 2).
Jesus said you'd know a tree by it's fruit. I'm afraid that in the name of Grace or just plain stupidity we Christians have lost the art of discernment/evaluation/ knowing a person by the fruit that they bare.
We often are quick to accept or reject a persons testimony based upon their likeability or how gooey the story they have to tell or how long of relationship we've had with them, but how are we ever suppossed to help one another become like Christ if we never hold ourselves to the standards Jesus gave us? How are we helping by not following the scriptural standards in our own life and how are we helping when we don't hold other Christians to the standards Jesus gave?
Jesus said you'd know a tree by it's fruit and he warned us that there would be those who were wolves in sheeps clothing. They look like sheep, but they are not. How are we suppossed to know? Jesus told us! Look at the fruit! (Matthew 7)
Take the time to learn the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, this scripture has been invaluble to me in my assessment of those we're looking for to lead things. And be sure to contrast them with the previous versus that describe the fruit of the flesh/sinful nature.
When you're dealing with people and problems look at the fruit before we jump to conclusions or judgements. Are we seeing love, joy, peace, patience, kindeness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, selfcontrol, or jeolousy, bitterness, envy, slander, gossip, pride, lying, backbiting, factions, hatred, discord, division, confusion, and so on?
I've learned we need to raise the standard. For far too long churches have simply looked at giftedness and competence and not character. We want Character and Competence! We want servants who have a heart for Jesus and his work!
I've got to say, I've been tremendously blessed to be a part of what God is doing here at Open Arms! I love all the people! I love being here! I've never experienced a more blessed time of ministry in my life!
I am thankful to God and to all of you for all the Lord and you all have done in my life and my families lives and the ministry we've seen accomplished up to this point, but I also want to remind you, this is just the beginning! You ain't seen nothing yet!
I love you all!
In truth I know there are those who say they believe in and follow Jesus, but really are not saved (1John 2:4), but I also know that Christians can make bad choices and operate in "worldly wisdom" which manifests itself in Selfish Ambition and Bitter Envy which results in disorder and every evil practice (James 3). Also, I know that even Christians can oppose other Christians and the work God is wanting to do, falling into the trap of the devil being taken captive to do his will (2Timothy 2).
Jesus said you'd know a tree by it's fruit. I'm afraid that in the name of Grace or just plain stupidity we Christians have lost the art of discernment/evaluation/ knowing a person by the fruit that they bare.
We often are quick to accept or reject a persons testimony based upon their likeability or how gooey the story they have to tell or how long of relationship we've had with them, but how are we ever suppossed to help one another become like Christ if we never hold ourselves to the standards Jesus gave us? How are we helping by not following the scriptural standards in our own life and how are we helping when we don't hold other Christians to the standards Jesus gave?
Jesus said you'd know a tree by it's fruit and he warned us that there would be those who were wolves in sheeps clothing. They look like sheep, but they are not. How are we suppossed to know? Jesus told us! Look at the fruit! (Matthew 7)
Take the time to learn the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, this scripture has been invaluble to me in my assessment of those we're looking for to lead things. And be sure to contrast them with the previous versus that describe the fruit of the flesh/sinful nature.
When you're dealing with people and problems look at the fruit before we jump to conclusions or judgements. Are we seeing love, joy, peace, patience, kindeness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, selfcontrol, or jeolousy, bitterness, envy, slander, gossip, pride, lying, backbiting, factions, hatred, discord, division, confusion, and so on?
I've learned we need to raise the standard. For far too long churches have simply looked at giftedness and competence and not character. We want Character and Competence! We want servants who have a heart for Jesus and his work!
I've got to say, I've been tremendously blessed to be a part of what God is doing here at Open Arms! I love all the people! I love being here! I've never experienced a more blessed time of ministry in my life!
I am thankful to God and to all of you for all the Lord and you all have done in my life and my families lives and the ministry we've seen accomplished up to this point, but I also want to remind you, this is just the beginning! You ain't seen nothing yet!
I love you all!
posted by Pastor Mike @ 10:03 PM
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