⁴⁴ Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. – Luke 6:44 (NIV)

Have you ever picked fruit? I’m sure that at some point in your life you’ve been dragged to an apple orchard or to a blueberry farm so you that you can pay for the pleasure of harvesting someone’s fruit. (If my wife asks, I really enjoy this activity.)

When you walk up to an apple tree, do you expect it to have peaches? Or pears? No. You expect it to have apples, as the name implies. This is because the tree is named, recognized, for the fruit that it bears.

We are the same. Is there someone you know that is “selfish”? How do you know they are? Most likely, they’ve established a pattern of behavior that is focused squarely on themselves, and they don’t do anything unless they benefit in some way.

Conversely, do you know someone that is “altruistic”? They are always helping out, returning carts to the carts stall at the grocery store.

What does this mean for you?

What fruits are you bearing – and do you mind being known for that fruit?

If you do mind, I believe that people can change what is in their hearts. Difficult, for sure, but not impossible given proper motivation. We can use Paul the Apostle as an example. Paul, formerly Saul of Tarsus, was a persecutor of Christianity until he met Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). After that encounter, and taking steps to change his heart, Paul became a devout Christian, and wrote most of the New Testament.

Now, I’m not saying you’ll become a devout Christian – but maybe you’ll become the kind of person that returns your shopping cart.

Your Pal,

TJ