Your life has come to an end. As happens after every death, people will reflect on what kind of person you were, or at least what kind of person you were to them. Without a doubt, their decision will be based solely on how you treated them, or responded to their behavior. There are times though when you will be judged, and remembered unfairly. A person’s mind is powerful, so much so, it can bend truth.
What is it people see that makes up one’s mind considering you? It’s the fruit your life bears. Is that fruit sweet, or sour? Does your life, your words, your actions leave a good taste in the mouths of others, or do they want to spit them out? Jesus even eluded to the fact people are known by the fruit their life bears.
And I don’t mean like, someone is bananas!
I’m referring to the fruit of the spirit.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
If there is no law against these fruits, then they cannot be judged.
The way for the fruit of your life to be, and stay healthy is for you to always stay connected to the vine. Jesus instructs us with these words in John 15 from The Passion Translation:
Jesus the Living Vine
“I am a true sprouting vine, and the farmer who tends the vine is my Father. 2 He cares for the branches connected to me by lifting and propping up the fruitless branches and pruning every fruitful branch to yield a greater harvest. 3 The words I have spoken over you have already cleansed you. 4 So you must remain in life-union with me, for I remain in life-union with you. For as a branch severed from the vine will not bear fruit, so your life will be fruitless unless you live your life intimately joined to mine.
5 “I am the sprouting vine and you’re my branches. As you live in union with me as your source, fruitfulness will stream from within you—but when you live separated from me you are powerless. 6 If a person is separated from me, he is discarded; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire to be burned. 7 But if you live in life-union with me and if my words live powerfully within you—then you can ask whatever you desire and it will be done. 8 When your lives bear abundant fruit, you demonstrate that you are my mature disciples who glorify my Father!
The purpose of operating in the fruit of the Spirit of God isn’t so people will know us as good, or even great, but that God will be glorified. If you are in need of getting back to the vine, Jesus, then by all means do it. There are too many people out there who are not connected to Jesus and they do a lot of damage in the lives of others. And if you need some help, I’ve heard of a product called, “Miracle Grow”.
Copyright © 2020 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.
brady, mark a. 