”“You must determine if a tree is good or rotten. You can recognize good trees by their delicious fruit. But if you find rotten fruit, you can be certain that the tree is rotten. The fruit defines the tree.“
This is a passage that has been on my mind a lot lately, because these are days that require a higher level of discernment. The enemy is working overtime trying to distract, destroy and draw many people off course. In this scripture, Jesus gives us a key to discernment for who to trust, who to partner with, who to confide in -- and that is to look at what they are producing. Are they producing drama and strife? Are they producing division and destruction? Or are they producing insights and positive results? Are they producing unity, bringing encouragement and moving things forward?
The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 6:14 not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. Here’s what is says in the Passion Translation - “Don’t continue to team up with unbelievers in mismatched alliances, for what partnership is there between righteousness and rebellion? Who could mingle light with darkness?” Now let’s refer back to Matthew 12. Who are believers? We don’t know believers by their words -- words like “I’m a believer.” No, we know them by their fruit -- what they are producing. We all need to be busy doing the work the Lord has called us to do. We don’t need to waste time and energy being in partnership with people who will tear everything down. Ask the Lord for greater discernment and start taking an honest look at the friendships and partnerships you already have or may be considering. Ask yourself, what is their fruit?
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