FRUITFUL GROWTH AND SOLID FOUNDATIONS

Text: Luke 6: 43-49

In these very simplified 6 verses Jesus concludes his teaching on discipleship on the sermon of the plain. He is such a loving master that he wants every of his follower to understand the main gist of the matter. The heart of obedience is the key to true discipleship. Without obeying the words, precepts, principles and commands there is no way we can claim that we are practicing them. And, without putting them into practice we can never benefit from them. 

The first instance of our obedience is found in our character. Our lives are like trees which are identified by the various fruits they bear. Each one bears a particular fruit with a specific taste, colour and features. None is exactly like another. However, even in their distinctiveness, men can easily differentiate a healthy mango from a sickly one. The fruits expected of a disciple who has been with Jesus is outlined in Galatians 5:22 -26, while Galatians 5:16-21 show us what constitutes a bad fruit. Today therefore, begin to be conscious of the character you display. Does it behove Christ or does it confirm that your are a sick Christian?

In addition, the heart is the treasure box from which we bring out what matters most to us or show who we truly are. No matter how brilliant one is at hiding his character, there will always be a slip in his speech which reveals what he is hiding. If you've filled up your heart with evil but continue to put up a show of being a Christian, sadly, you're going to expose the fake life by yourself sooner or later. Allow Jesus to  transform you completely from inside out. 

Lastly, many Christians are like the hasty builders. They hear the word of God and are excited about it. Instead of going through the rigorous task of repentance and discipleship, they change their wardrobe, their hairstyle, their manner of speech and try to learn the language of the believers. They refuse to dig deep, remove the debris, shift the rocks and make way for a new foundations in their lives. They refuse to do a mind reset by renewing their minds in line with the word of God. Jesus is warning here that their relationship with him which they brandish to the world is fake. It is not properly built hence the day of calamity will reveal it. If you therefore know how to build, go on and build on the solid foundation Jesus and the teachings of his apostles to avoid a deadly clash and calamity in the coming days.

Father, Jesus reiterates here again that not all who call him lord lord actually have anything to do with him. Obedience you said is better than sacrifice. Help all your true children to learn this truth and realize that we cannot afford to be careless in the way we follow you. Give us Grace to abide in the vine Jesus always, for a fruitful and victorious christian life. Amen.