By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?
Matthew 7:16 NIV
Jesus had a way of speaking rather clearly, didn't He?
I am not a tree expert. I am fascinated by people who can not only pick out an oak tree, but tell me exactly what type of oak it is.
There is a yard in my neighborhood full of apple trees. I love a nice, shiny red or green apple, picked fresh off the tree. (And I love the apple pies made with them too!) I must be honest, however, I couldn't have told you what tree it was until I saw it in the fall of the year.
You understand why, don't you? I needed to see its fruit first. I couldn't tell an apple tree from a pear tree, without first looking at its fruit.
Are you a Christian? I hope you are! Only you and God know for sure, but Jesus did give us a good indicator. He said we will be known by our fruit.
A Christian should be the one who has patience while waiting in the slow lines at the supermarket. A Christian should be the one who doesn't stiff the waitress of a tip just because she forgot to refill his tea glass. A Christian should be the one who opens his or her door to those in need. A Christian should be the one in the office who refuses to participate in gossip and in the telling of dirty jokes. Do you get the general idea?
I will have to wait again for fall before I can know for sure that tree is going to bear apples. You and I, the children of God, however, should be in full bloom all year long.
Can anyone tell what kind of tree you are today?
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I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end. 
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