December 8th - Reflection

Matthew 12:33 37 (NRSV)
A good tree bears good fruit

"Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers! How can you speak good things, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person brings good things out of a good treasure, and the evil person brings evil things out of an evil treasure. I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

Reflection
If you just pretty up the fruit with wax and coloring and outside decorations, the tree still won't produce good fruit. To make good fruit, you first must start with the tree. Start with good nutrients and water and care for the tree and good fruit will follow.

And this with our own lives also. If you pray and go to church in order to only look good, you have it all backwards. God starts from the inside out. God works on the inside first so that what is produced comes out. Pray in your room and walk with the Word in the Bible and psalms and devotion. Walk with a friend and serve those nearest to you. Then gather at the assembly and unite with Christ in his Church in praise and honor. Honor the gifts of the Spirit with passion and serve God with those Children of God he chooses to place you with. Then...

Let your light shine that others may see your good works and glorify their Father in Heaven. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, work on me from the inside out that I may be fruitful and multiply the glorious praise and honor you deserve. --- Amen