“For every tree is known by his own fruit. …A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil…”
One can always determine the identity of a tree by the fruit it produces. Apple trees do not produce pears nor do walnut trees produce pecans. Each tree is identified by the fruit that is produced. Likewise, the life of an individual is recognized by the fruit that is produced. There is good fruit. And there is bad fruit. Whatever fruit is produced reveals the heart and character of the individual.
If one is a genuine follower of Christ, the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:23) will be manifested in their life. The character of Christ will be revealed in the character and nature of the individual. When one truly comes to Christ, a metamorphosis (or a great change) takes place (2 Cor. 5:17). One is instantly transformed from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of Light. (Col. 1:13). As a result some things change immediately. Other changes occur over time. (Rom. 12:1-2).
Just as an apple tree bursts forth with beautiful blossoms in the spring, the life transforming power of the Holy Spirit produces a new beauty and fragrance in one’s life the moment they receive Christ as their Lord and Savior. But like the apple, it takes time for the actual fruit to appear. The fruit is produced over time simply by staying connected to the tree. In other words the apples are not produced by their own effort. They are produced by remaining intimately connected to the tree. Likewise as one stays intimately connected to Christ, over time, His fruit begins to be manifested in their life.
The longer the fruit remains connected to the tree, the richer, fuller, and more fragrant that fruit becomes. Eventually that fruit matures. The beauty and fragrance of that fruit begins to appeal to others. Soon, others desire to partake of the fruit.
Which brings us to the ultimate purpose of the fruit. The fruit is not produced for ourselves. It is produced for others. Its purpose is for others to be drawn to the fruit. Its purpose is for others to want to taste it for themselves. Fruit has no value unless others taste it for themselves. (Psalm 34:8). Therefore, it is important that we remain intimately connected to Christ. Over time, we will begin to mature and others will be attracted to the Christ they see in us! Christ is then glorified. Not us! And we will have accomplished our greatest purpose in life!
Rev. James W. Black