The Fruit Inspector
When I read today's reading from Luke 13:1-22, I always find myself guilty of inspecting other's fruit production instead of examining my own.
Luke 13:6-8
And he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. And he said to the vinedresser, 'Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. "Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?' And he answered him, 'Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'"
God has had every right to cut us down, but in His mercy, He has spared us.
Matthew 3:8
Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.
Am I just taking up space, or am I bearing fruit to God's glory?
As I look around and start judging others, Psalms 139:9 puts me back into a more correct view of whom I should be inspecting.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
More in Hearing God's Voice
April 1, 2017
For God's Glory AloneApril 1, 2017
The Wickedness of UnforgivenessMarch 30, 2017
You are not Condemned!