How do we measure the output of our lives? How do we tell if we are “tube-people”? (See my previous post about “tube-people” vs. “can-people.”) Looking back at my own life story, I find there were seasons that were characterized by genuinely living for God, and seasons that smelled of self-motivation. Jesus used the idea of “fruit” to express the outflow of a person’s life.

Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 7:17-19

Followers of Jesus are not to be known by their profession, but by their actions.

When others view your life, do they see anything different that would cause them to believe you know Jesus Christ? What would they see? What kind of tree are you?