How Do Others Recognize You?

“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.

Each tree is recognized by its own fruit…”

Luke 6:43-44

It is easy to identify ourselves by some outward distinction or label that we have through our heritage or another part of our background.

For instance one person may declare “I am an Italian American” while yet another says

“I have a Harvard MBA degree” or “I am a resident of London, England.”

While those statements may help a little they really do not fully identify who you are

 and what your purpose is.

John the Baptist asked Jesus an interesting question through his disciples.

More interesting than the question though was the answer Jesus gave to the query:

“Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

He did not remind John of the circumstances of his birth in a manger, the homage of the Kings from the East, the Angelic hosts’ praise or even the more recent appearance of a dove and the sound of a voice from heaven at Jesus’ baptism. 

So how did Jesus identify himself to his cousin in a

way that gave evidence to him being the Messiah?

He pointed to the fruit –

“…Go back and report to John what you hear and see:  The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.”

Jesus was not offended that John asked the question he did.

 He did not say – “How dare you challenge my credentials.”  

Instead he points to the fruit.  

What identifies you, to others around you, as belonging to Him?

Is it only your words?

Is it your words and your actions?

Does the fruit of your life give evidence to who you are and to whom you belong?

Are you recognized as one of His by your fruit?

Jesus pointed to the fruit.

As this week concludes, take a look back and ask God

to show you how others recognize you.

Then do business with God in those areas that need it.