Finding Acorns

by Brian Young

"You will recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but every bad tree produces bad fruit." — Matthew 7:16-17

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law." — Galatians 5:22-23

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." — John 13:35

Ready: Late summer is a time when bow hunters look for oak trees producing acorns, knowing that where there are acorns, deer are often nearby. Oaks can easily be recognized by their leaves and fruit—the acorn. Similarly, Jesus used the example of fruit when He spoke on the Mount, warning His listeners to watch out for false teachers who may appear genuine but lack the fruit that characterizes a true follower of Christ. As Jesus told His disciples in John 13:35, “Everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” And Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” These fruits cannot be produced by our efforts; they grow through a close relationship with Jesus. As we mature in our faith, these fruits become more evident in our lives.

Aim: Matthew 7:16-17

Fire: Think of someone whose relationship with Christ is evident by the fruit in their life. Now, consider the fruit evident in your own life. Commit to daily practices that open your heart to the Holy Spirit, allowing His fruit to grow and be displayed in your life.