LIFE INDICATOR = FRUIT TYPE
To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good. —Titus 1:15-16
By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 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. —Matthew 7:16-20
First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. —Acts 26:20
Your mind is what drives you. As your mind goes so your body goes. As you think so you act. So what is the fruit of your life? Are the deeds of your life motivated by love for God and love for people? Or is there some other motivation that directs you?
The above verses are clear that by the outward actions people can be known. Does a person love their job? That will be seen by their outward actions. Does a person love their spouse/family? That will be seen by their outward actions. Does a person love a particular sport? That will be seen by their outward actions. Does a person love the body of Christ, the Church? That will be seen by their outward actions. Does a person love God? That will be seen by their outward actions. Does a person love people in general? That will be seen by their outward actions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlSmG-_eJTU
If a person has truly repented (change of heart, mind, direction— a turning from living for self to living for God) then their outward actions and deeds will give that indication. Be around a person long enough and you will see the type of fruit in their lives that will indicate who they really are. Yes, there are those who can deceive, but that will only happen for so long before who they are comes out. God knows who they are. They cannot deceive Him.
So, brothers and sisters, let us live consistent lives that show forth the fruit that we truly have repented and are loving God, loving people and truly following Jesus. Yes, may this be do in the power of God’s Holy Spirit and in the authority of His Son. May it be so!