Matthew 7:15-20

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits.

I often read this passage and reflect on who are the false prophets that I encounter in my life and how I can best discern such individuals by their fruits. Today, this passage struck me as I thought about the different parts of my life. Rather than individuals as trees bearing good or bad fruits, are there parts of my life that are bearing poisonous fruit. Are there interests, relationships, or diversions that are ultimately not bearing positive and good fruit in my life? Conversely, what are the pieces of my life that are bearing good fruit. What do the fruits in my life tell me about how I am living and where I am placing my time, attention, desire, and money?

Prayer

Holy God, we thank You for the gift of discernment; for the ability to consider that which is positive and negative in our lives. Guide me today to reflect on the trees in my life that bear good and bad fruit. Help me to cultivate and nurture those good trees and empower me to be willing to prune that which is bearing bad fruit in my life. Amen.