Ye Shall Know Them

Matthew 7:20  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

            As Christians, we are to be seen, but not as worldly people.  God tells us that we are to show others the “fruits” of our labor (for Him,)  but not to call attention to “our works” as a prideful person.  Others ought to be able to see “our works” by watching us as we serve God.

            Many will ask the question, “What is it that God would have me to do?”  (Saul asked that same question as he lay in the dust talking to Jesus.)

Acts 9:6  And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? ...

Saul realized that Jesus was The Christ indeed, (as he lay in that dust talking with The Messiah Himself.)

When we finally realized that Jesus is our Saviour, (we probably weren’t lying in the middle of a dusty road,) but we may have been “at the end of our rope.”  (We were so relieved to know we were Heaven bound,   saved from our sins, and no longer bound for hell.)

            But for many Christians, just knowing that they “are saved” is the “end of the road.” Whether they become CEO’s (Christmas and Easter Only,) or attend Church on a regular basis, many feel nothing more is expected of them.  (God expects more from us who claim His Son.)

Romans 12:1-2  I beseech you therefore, brethren, [Christian] by the mercies of God, that ye [you] present your [you]  bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your [you]  reasonable service.  2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye [you]  transformed by the renewing of your [you]  mind, that ye [you]  may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Notice that this verse references “any and ALL Christians.”  (This verse isn’t just for your Pastor or those who “work” at the Church.)  If you have called on God’s Name, this verse is for YOU.

            God (via The Holy Spirit) calls all to serve.  Our problem is that only a few “answer.”  We read in The Book of Isaiah:

Isaiah 6:8  Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

Notice that Isaiah accepted without exception.  (He didn’t put limits on what he would do, or where he would go.)  At Church we sing, “I Surrender All.”  The lyrics state:  “I [will] surrender all” to God.  (Many Christians sing with their hearts, “I Surrender Some.”)  God wants our hearts.  He doesn’t want “just some of it.”

Mark 12:30  And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

Christian, have you asked God, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”  If you have, have you answered God by saying, “Here am I; send me?”  If you haven’t, and if you aren’t reading your Bible, not attending Church, nor praying, “How do you know you are a Christian?”  “Where are your “fruits” of labor for Him?”

            God tells us:

Romans 10:9-10  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  10  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

We as individuals must decide to accept Jesus as our Saviour.  (It must be “a personal heart felt” consideration.)  Once we have resolved within our heart to say “yes,” we must accept Jesus “in belief.”  Our next step is to “confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,” and God will save us.  (If there is what some might call a “catch,”) it is that our “belief” and “accepting Jesus” must be “with the heart,” meaning sincerely.

            “Salvation” is a serious, personal decision. It must never be taken lightly. 

            “Reader, what are you going to do?  Accept Him today, for tomorrow never comes.”

Bro John R. E Chastain

Retired Pastor

Wylie, Texas

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