Known by Fruits
Jesus spoke to his disciples about fruits as a reference, to the behaviours and attitudes of the people around us. The context was in relation to false prophets who outwardly present as sheep. Jesus said that on the inside they are like ravenous wolves. A ravenous wolf would suggest a wild animal with an extreme appetite for prey. What Jesus was saying is that, there are religious leaders who present as prophets. If you observe them, they can seem like leaders and their appetites are for lost souls. This hunger for souls is not to point them towards God or the things of God.
Rather, their appetite and desires lead people towards hell and draw people further away from God. It was in this same chapter that Jesus dealt with the matter of judgement. ““Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1). On the one hand, Jesus was saying that we should not judge others, and on the other hand, he cautions us to be aware of false prophets. Jesus does not contradict himself in this teaching. Judgment in this case is casting aspersions against someone without a just cause. Knowing someone by their fruits is observing whether or not they demonstrate Christ likeness. This relates to the matter of discernment.
John further expounded on this matter later on in the New Testament. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). This testing the spirit relates to discernment. It would be unwise to ignore the inner prompting of the Holy Spirit, which says that someone is not of God. Just because someone has the title of minister, does not mean that they have been sent by God. We have a duty to test the spirits and to observe the fruits. Remember that grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes or figs from thistles.
What Jesus was saying is that a prophet will demonstrate the image and likeness of God. Ministers and leaders should lead people to God and their lives should be an example of godliness. Similarly, all born again Christians should demonstrate Christlikeness and our lives should point people towards God. The outcome of your life or the fruits which spring from it, are the results of your roots. Bitterness, resentment, strife and envy does not produce good fruits. Examine the fruits of your life to determine what is at your root system. There are some things that are in our root system which needs to be uprooted in order to produce good fruits.
“He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up” (Matthew 15:13).
A.P.-Y.
Published by Anneta Pinto-Young
I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession.
Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm.
I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing.
I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.
View all posts by Anneta Pinto-Young
Published
January 13, 2022
