Evidence

Matthew 3:1 - 12

In response to the Pharisees and Sadducees coming out to see what he's doing in the wilderness, John the Baptist gives them an earful and a challenge to "produce fruit in keeping with repentance." I am fascintated by this phrase.

It would be very easy for us today to produce fruit. How much of what we do in church and life is just "stuff". Activity for the sake of activity? Our protestant work ethic, our action orientated society, our results based culture gives us a natural bias toward doing something and showing some sort of results. But that's not what John challenges us to do. He challenges us to show an outward response to our inner relationship to God. Jesus teaching in John 15:1 - 8 where he says "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" is a natural extension of John's command.

As disciples who follow Jesus, we are challenged to do no more, and no less, than that which he calls us to do. Our fruit, the service we give and our sharing of faith needs to be an authentic response to his grace in our lives and our growing relationship with him.

The challenge for us is to be willing to serve just where he wants. To lay down our egos, and desire for power and control and stop doing more than he would have us do. To also be willing to lay down our pursuit of the easy life, and fear of being "trapped by the church" and serve more than we are now. What do you need to do?

The challenge also comes through our sharing of faith. Where our faith is genuine and deeply held by us, the passion for Christ will result in authentic sharing of that faith with our friends and families. How are you leading those around you, who do not yet know Jesus Christ, closer to his saving presence?