Thought for the Day – November 4, 2009

Text: Matthew 7:15-20
15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.  NIV

We are not to judge one another.  We are told to inspect the fruit.  Jesus was warning against false prophets in this text.  However, the application is for all of life.  Inspect fruit.

When you look for a job – inspect the fruit of the company.  How do they operate?  What is the corporate culture?  How do they treat employees?  If you hire employees – inspect the fruit.  Many companies are going online and checking facebook, twitter, and lindedin accounts and status updates.  Social media can reveal more than you want about yourself – people can inspect your fruit.  When you seek someone to date, or eventually marry – inspect the fruit.  I know many accomplished young professionals who lower the bar of expectations when it comes to relationships.  I encourage them to raise the bar and inspect the fruit before pursuing a relationship.  Before I use someone as a referral to my clients, I meet with them to inspect the fruit.  I want people of integrity, competency, and character working with my clients.

If we should inspect the fruit of others, they should inspect us,  So, how is your fruit?  If people squeeze to hard, what comes out?  Are you green?  Over ripened?  Bruised?  Just blossoming?  Most of us cannot easily evaluate our own fruit.  If you truly want to know, begin asking plenty of people around you.  In business, this is called a 360 evaluation.  Include your family.  That is often the most revealing.  Once you discover the soft and underdeveloped spot, find someone who will help you change.  Announce to everyone the area you wish to address, and select a few to hold you accountable.  If you are determined, coachable, and willing to follow through, YOU WILL CHANGE.  With the help of the Holy Spirit seeking to ripen you into the image of Jesus, just imagine what your life can be!

Thought for the Day – Don’t judge.  Inspect the fruit.  Work to ripen your fruit on the vine of Christ.