Fruit!

Fruit!

So produce fruit that is consistent with repentance [demonstrating new behavior that proves a change of heart, and a conscious decision to turn away from sin];
MATTHEW 3:8 AMP

God also follows precepts and protocol. He is a God of order, and He expects His own children to have the same outlook to life. Let it be said here that God's ultimate goal is the salvation of all men. He gave his one and only son as the sacrifice for sin, and by the blood shed, life is given full and free to all. God invites all men to get cleansing and redemption through the blood, no matter the quality of the stain of sin or multitude of transgressions. He will forgive all and give a new life and a fresh start, free of guilt or condemnation.

However, when you claim to now know God, there is a standard of behaviour expected of you. If there is no difference between my old and new life, then I need to check again who I have received. If I claim I have repented, there will be external evidence; fruit that proves that I now serve a different master. It is by my fruit that the truth of my convictions is established. It is by my fruit that the world knows where I am rooted. And there can be no deception; it does not matter how hard I try; I cannot change the fruit until I change the seed and the root. If I am used to sin, no amount of dressing or seed work can change my life's output. I have to first address the foundation of sin.

Today's extract was spoken to hypocrites of Jesus' day, and the message through the ages remain the same: the seed of God is seeking fertile and prepared ground where it can be sown and nurtured until maturity. God is seeking lives He can trust to make a difference in the world. Am I one He can count on in these end times? The fear is that we seem to be comfortable in sin, thinking we have time. Unfortunately, we do not. While we have time, let us approach God and take advantage of the free gift of life on offer. Our eternity hangs on that decision. His time of favour is here.