where's your fruit?

so this is my first post, ever. i've never done any sort of blogging, so forgive me if i begin to ramble.

recently, God has been trying to get ahold of me, but i havent been doing my part in letting Him. last night, God used a friend of mine to speak to me. we talked for quite some time but the point he was trying to get at was simply this; they will recognize you by your fruit (Matt. 7:16). he reminded me of a the story in Mark where Jesus saw a fig tree in the distance that looked amazing. when He got closer to it, He found that there was no fruit on it (Mark 11:12-14).

last night i realized that that was a perfect picture of my life. ive been a follower of Christ since i was seven years old. i can play the part oh so well. too well at times. so many times i find myself putting on a show, seeming to have it together in the distance, but when closely examined, i am empty. fruitless. the Bible says that the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). these things werent evident in my life because Christ was not put in His rightful place; the throne of my heart. when Christ is fixed at the center of your life, the fruit of the spirit will automatically being to show in your life.

i know that this was the condition of my heart, but i dont think im alone. i think it happens more times than most of us are aware of. take the time to search yourself. search the scripture. allow God to reveal Himself to you. i promise you will not be dissappointed.

Matthew 7:16 - you'll recognize them by their fruit.

bjb