Devotional #9                 

Select Friends by Their Fruits and Not by Their Gifts

            I remember a woman once telling me that she didn’t understand why she had had so many poor relationships. She admitted to having a divorce and many break ups besides. Although I was still quite young and not very experienced in relationships, I sensed that the Lord had given me some wisdom to share with her as I felt burdened for this sister in Christ.

I asked what she was looking for as she got into each of these relationships. She confessed to being drawn to charismatic men and since coming to Christ, she preferred those that were operating in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. God revealed to me in that moment that she should not choose men for their gifts because gifts are given by God and say nothing about the person’s character or fruit. Think of a fruit as coming from the tree from which it is produced. If you want an apple, you’ll only get it from an apple tree. I’ve heard it said that many women prefer a ‘bad boy.’ It’s a wonder then why these ladies are surprised when these men behave badly and treat them badly.

           

In Matthew 7:15-23, Jesus warned, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”

           

    Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? ‘And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

When I first read these verses, I was fascinated to consider that some of those that acknowledge Christ’s Lordship and even operate in powerful gifts will not make it in the Heaven.

Allowing God’s Holy Spirit to work in your life will make you that good tree that produces good fruit. Galatians 5:22-23 states, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Notice, the verse does not say by their gifts you will know them, rather by their fruits you will know them! Imagine relating with a person who has these qualities (fruits)! Isn’t it smarter to have a friend that is loving, joyful, peaceable, etc., than one that is charismatic or can do amazing things?                                                                                      

            We must choose friends and mates by their fruits, not by their gifts Matthew 24:24 declares, “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” Wow! Gifts and abilities can make a person seem powerful, attractive and flashy, but, as the old saying goes, “Not everything that glitters is gold!” Also, if you watch for long enough, people will be revealed for who they are. What’s really inside is bound to come out before too long. You cannot hide what’s inside!  What kind of fruit are you and your friends producing?

See It for Yourself: Romans 11:29, Matthew 7:15-23, Galatians 5:22-23, Matthew 24:24     

Prayer Focus:

Dear Lord,

Thank you for Your gifts, and that You promise not to take them from me. But help me not to qualify myself or others by them. Instead, cleanse me by Your Word and Holy Spirit, so that I can produce good fruit for you. Surround me with those who are like good trees in a fruitful garden.

In Jesus’ name I pray.

Amen.

Working It Out: 

Gifts are to be opened, enjoyed and shared.  

But, you should surround yourself with quality (that is based on character)

and you will have a life of quality.

*Note- I also instructed this woman to wait on the Lord, as I believe that God has made someone for each of us, but some are designed to be alone with the Lord. See Devotional #23.