Unique Fruit

Scripture – Luke 3:7-9: 7John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

Reflection: It’s my impression that John sort of burst onto the scene. This wild-looking man from the dessert was suddenly preaching with great passion, calling people to repent – to turn around and change their lives.

John warns people that their repentance must be authentic, not just lip service – and not just an emotional response to guilt. “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance,” we’re told. I’m to literally turn my life around (even upside down) so there are observable differences in my behavior.

Fruit is what a healthy tree produces. It’s a natural outcome. An apple tree doesn’t sit around and try to manufacture apples. If the tree’s healthy, apples appear. In fact, the apples are a sign of the health of the tree.

The same is true with me and you. If I keep myself spiritually healthy, if I continue to let Christ control more and more of who I am, fruit will appear. I can’t tell you what your fruit will look like. That‘s up to you to discover.

I do know Christ needs apples, oranges, pears, tangerines, etc. in His church. My goal is to be the person God created me to be. The fruit I produce is unique, as I am. The question is, am I letting that happen?