DCLM Daily Manna 19 October 2019 Devotional – The Fruit Test, written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi
TODAY’S TOPIC: THR FRUIT TEST
TEXT: Matthew 7:13-20
KEY VERSE: “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” – (Matthew 7:20).
MESSAGE: DCLM Daily Manna 19 October 2019 Devotional
Paul Eldridge, an American writer, was on point when he observed that “we cannot make a tiger eat grass by removing his teeth or turn a lamb into a bull by tying horns onto his head”. The world has become more gullible because deceivers and hypocrites have become more sophisticated in their acts. In no aspect of life is this more evident than in religious life. This calls for more discernment and one sure way of identifying what is what and who is who is to apply the fruit test.
In the concluding part of his epic Sermon on the Mount, Christ urged everyone to strive to enter God’s kingdom through the narrow way wherein are found very few people. The alternative broad way leads to eternal destruction. That is where majority of the human race walks. Beyond this admonition, He warns of false prophets which appear in sheep’s clothing. It is in this connection that He talked about the fruit test. In a world where false prophets endeavour to look even more innocent and benevolent than true prophets, how can you detect them?
We can apply the fruit test to all individuals or institutions. There are so many innocent-looking but deceitful “prophets” and religious bodies whose conducts and doctrines are capable of keeping people comfortable in the hell-bound broad way of this life. Consider their character and the end point of their ministry. Do not patronise them in any way. They are dangerous and cannot give what they do not have.
At a personal level, be sure of your spiritual status. The unregenerate life cannot produce good fruit. Good fruit is what matters here and hereafter. You need the transformative work of the Holy Spirit and abiding completely in Christ for this.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: How do you fare in the fruit test?
DAILY BIBLE READING: Isaiah 51-55
