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At their fruits
We think about trees for the least amount of time. We pay attention to them when they are especially tall or the wind uproots them. We would probably notice if one of them is full of fruit or the fruits are on the ground. Most of us could certainly determine the nature of a fruit and thus identify the type of tree.
When Christ said that we could recognize a tree by its fruit, he used an analogy that we all can understand. Even if we have never grown fruit trees, we are familiar with their fruits - we eat these foods every day. If properly cared for with good soil, good water, sufficient fertilizer, and the right growing conditions, certain trees will bear fruit.
But he also said that you can recognize people by their fruit. He didn't mean that, with the right growing conditions, we could have apples dangling from our bodies. But we can produce spiritual fruit according to John 15,16 Endures.
What did he mean by which type of fruit remains? In Luke 6, Jesus took some time with his disciples to talk about the rewards of certain types of behavior (see also Matthew 5). Then in verse 43 he states that a good tree cannot produce bad fruit just as a bad tree cannot produce good fruit. In verse 45 he says that this is also true for humans: "The good man brings forth good from the good treasure of his heart, and the wicked man brings forth evil from the evil treasure of his heart. For of what the heart is full, the mouth speaks of it.”
Roman 7,4 tells us how it is possible to bring about good deeds: “So you also, my brethren, were killed to the law [on the cross with Christ] [it no longer has power over you], that ye should be of another, viz to him who was raised from the dead, that we might bring forth fruit [good deeds] to God.”
I don't imagine God filling a heavenly pantry with dried or preserved fruit. But somehow our good deeds, the kind words we say, and the "cups of water for the thirsty" have lasting effects on others and on us. They will carry over into the next life, where God will remember them, when we will all give an account to him (Hebrews 4,13).
Lastly, the other arm of the identity cross is to produce lasting fruit. Since God has chosen individuals with us and made them new creatures under His grace, we are expressing the life of Christ on earth and bearing fruit for him. This is permanent because it is not physical - it can neither rot nor be destroyed. This fruit is the result of a God-subjugated life full of love for him and for our fellow human beings. Let us always bear abundant fruit that lasts forever!
by Tammy Tkach
