By Their Fruits: The Identity of Believers.

 BY THEIR FRUITS: The Identity of Believers.
 
Perpend the following:

“Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are wolves. You will know them by their fruits”
 (Matthew 7:15)

Ede always says “I am a child of God.” He will always say “my God, will do this, my God will do that.” With his mouth, he paints a picture of a Christian. He is “a prayer warrior” as everyone around can notice. He also regularly attends fellowships and even used opportunities to witness about Christ. He calls and talks about God like he sees God, sleeps, sits and eats with Him every day like any of his friends or close associates.  He uses Christian cliches regularly.  He sounds religious or spiritual, but what is worrisome is the fact that amid claiming and confessing that he is a child of God, his anger is beyond measure, he quarrels and fights at a slight provocation. He hardly forgives. He is uncorrectable and unteachable. Anyone who tries to correct or teach him becomes an enemy. He knows it all. For this reason, people are afraid of correcting him or say anything that is not in his favour. 

Fake and false teachers and believers are common today as they were in the old times. Jesus says we should beware of those whose words sound religious. We should evaluate their words by examining their lives. Just as trees are consistent in the kind of fruit they produce; real Christians consistently exhibit good behavior and high moral character as they attempt to live out the truth of the Scriptures.

Some self-professed athletes can “talk” great game, but that tells you nothing about their athletic skills. So as not anyone who talks about God belongs to God’ s kingdom. “Not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven but only those who do the will of my father who is in heaven” (Matthew7:21). Jesus is more concerned about our walk than our talk. He wants us to do right, not just say the right words. 

Many people like Ede think that if they are “good” people and say religious things they will be rewarded with eternal life. It is by your fruits as a Christian that you will be judged.

John the Baptist called people to more than words or ritual; he told them to change their behaviour. “Therefore, bear fruits that show you have repented” (Matthew 3:8). This means that God looks beyond our words and religious activities to see if our conduct backs up what we say and He judges our words by the actions that accompany them.

Kindly perpend the following fruits that identify the Christian according to Galatians 5:22-23: Love, Joy, peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and self-control. These virtues are believed to be the result of the Holy Spirit’s presence and work in a Christian’s life.

Perpend exhorts you to march your words, claims and confessions with action. If you are a child of God, act like a child of God, because by your fruit we shall know you.

PERPEND!
#BlessingEnyindah
#PerpendWithBE