Day 170
Matthew 7:20
"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
Jesus taught His disciples to recognize false prophets. He told them they could examine the fruit being produced and determine who was real, and who was false, who was of God, and who was not of God.
We need to use the same rule, as we judge ourselves. What is the fruit of our doings? There is a difference between having trouble because an evil spirit is opposing us and having trouble because we are causing it. We must be honest and humble, if we are going to stay free of ungodly habits.
Although it can apply to anyone, it is important to note that Jesus was referring to ministers in Matthew 7:20. He said false prophets come in sheep's clothing. That means all appears well. He added, however, that they are like ravening wolves inwardly. In other words, they have ulterior motives, or they minister for their own benefit. He said their fruit will eventually reveal the truth. It is important to note that Jesus is talking about ministers, because we can sometimes justify wrong behavior or attitudes by claiming we are helping others or accomplishing good. Whenever ministry goes forth, people can receive by helping others or accomplishing good. They can receive by faith and be blessed, as God looks upon the heart of those being ministered to. Positive results are not an endorsement of the person or the ministry by God. Jesus once noted that a woman was healed, because of her faith. The anointing of God that was in Him went into the woman, and he did not even know she was there, until He felt the power leave Him. Her receiving was based upon her faith. If He was a prophet who was out of God's will at the time, the woman would still have received her healing.
We must never use positive results to justify ourselves. Let us examine the overall effect of what we are doing. God does not need our help to fulfill His ministry. He needs our cooperation. We should not come up with a plan and ask God's blessing upon it. It is better to wait on God's plan, because it is already blessed. Then, when we think we have His plan, it is important to be open to our having missed it partially or totally. Sometimes, our emotional state at the time can lead us to think we heard from God, when in fact we were led by a desire to fulfill a personal need.
I will be open and honest before God. I will be humble and receive correction relative to the direction I take in my life, especially concerning ministry. I will always be a sheep in sheep's clothing. I will produce only good fruit.