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Fruit Inspection
Written by: Joyce C. Lock
If we believe we are called to be Fruit Inspectors, then might we also have been watching for imperfection in Jesus, in His day, too?
By human observation, Jesus did not pass the test. Among other things, they said He was gluttonous and a winebibber; being that he befriended both publicans and sinners. Luke 7:34 No doubt, others have looked to find flaws in your ministry, too.
Maybe you were slain by someone offended by your poundage, who'd forgotten that bodily exercise only profits a little.
Perhaps the determination of your faithfulness is based upon 100% church attendance, when you work third shift and can't keep your eyes open through every meeting.
Certainly, when they inspected Jesus, they considered Him to be flawed, too ... thinking God had caused Jesus' affliction due to his own sin, without ever having considered that people might actually be suffering as a result of the sins of others. Isaiah 53:4-5
Apparently, if we look to see error, we will find it; real or imagined. That being the case, why don't we give others a break and get off their backs?
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Matthew 7:20
It isn't by our inspection that we shall know them.
It is by their fruit that we shall "know" them.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:22-26
© 2005 by Joyce C. Lock
http://www.angelslight.org/joycepoem.html
http://our.homewithgod.com/heavenlyinspirations/
This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact,
for non-profit ministering purposes.
About the Author
Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist. In addition, she founded and maintains the email ministries "Heavenly Inspirations" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations/ and "Share a Smile" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/ . Joyce's writings encourage us in our relationship with God and each other.
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