Disciples test the fruit of those who lead
Matthew 7:17-20
Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
~ Jesus,
Jesus warned His first disciples to beware of false
teachers. Such teachers could be rooted out or tested by taking a look at their fruit. But this isn’t just about being aware of bad fruit. It is also encouraging us to be aware of good fruit. Whereas bad-fruited trees will be "cut down and thrown into the fire", trees bearing good fruit will be on fire in a different way. Their fruit is evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ in them. The Spirit of God is kindled in these leaders – a holy fire. Such leaders are already blessed by God Himself, but they could still use our encouragement as they live for the Lord and serve His people.
Prayer For the Week
Father God, I ask that Your Spirit would help me discern good from evil, good spiritual fruit from bad spiritual fruit, “good trees” from “bad trees”. Help me to discern which leaders are producing good fruit and which ones are producing bad fruit – and to follow as You would have me do so. Help me to mature in my walk by learning from others maturing in You. May it be a mark of my discipleship and of those discipling me as well. In Jesus I pray. Amen.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 27:7-14
- Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
- When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.
- Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
- When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.
- Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
- Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
- I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
- Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Pondering Point
Can you hear (with your internal ear) your heart saying to you: “Seek the Lord’s face!”? That would be your new-creation heart thirsting for God.