How to Be a Fruity Christian (Part 4)

If a Christian is expected to produce fruit (Gal. 5:22-23), then the next question we must ask ourselves is, "What is the purpose of fruit?"  Did God create fruit trees to produce beautiful looking fruit only to be stared at?  Is the purpose of fruit to be solely a decoration?  No!  The main purpose for fruit is to provide sustenance to whoever eats it.  So when God's Word calls Christians to produce fruit, then it means that the primary purpose of a Christian is not to be seen at a distance as a trinket, but rather to provide sustenance/life to this dying world.  You see, when you and I allow the Holy Spirit to work and move in our lives, then our lives begin to produce the fruit of love which in turn is displayed in joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.  When a Christian deliberately lives and gives out this fruit to their family, communities, work place, and wherever they go, then that Christian is providing life for this world.  When a "Christian" refuses to allow it's fruit to have an impact on their surroundings, then death settles in.  Proverbs 12:12 states "...the root of the righteous yields fruit."  Proverbs 11:20 states "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, he that wins souls is wise."  Scripture is clear, that our words, speech, talk, or work will either feed or starve those around us. The late Jim McGinley made this powerful observation, "I am not to judge you, but I am a fruit inspector, and I have a right to look at the fruit you are producing."   Is the fruit that you are producing worth eating?  Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.