Just so, every good tree bears good fruit,
and a rotten tree bears bad fruit.
Jesus is teaching us about discernment. Let's pay attention to these words. They seem obvious but they conceal deep meaning. Firstly, realize that trees can be any number of things. We probably think first of people. We look at their actions to see if they are advancing the kingdom or hindering it. But this doesn't help very much. It doesn't lead toward any concrete action. It is better to discern the tree of our relationship with another rather than the person himself. What fruit is that relationship bearing? Perhaps the individual is not living a kingdom lifestyle but our relationship with him is yielding the fruit of love and peacefulness in his life. This is a good tree which we probably don't want to tear down.
We can apply this method of discernment to the various entertainments in which indulge. If they bear fruits of anxiety, anger, or cynicism then they are probably worth more to us as lumber. On the other hand, there is entertainment which is inspiring and edifying which we should continue to water. The same method can apply to schools of thought in the world, movements in the Church, and just about anything. It isn't really about judging people at all. What would that gain us but a false sense of superiority?
Ultimately this fruit we're looking for isn't the result of our own efforts. Yes, we are watered by the agency of our brothers and sisters. But God gives the growth (cf. 1 Cor 3:6). Let us not grow prideful, as if we caused trees to grow and fruit to ripen. Even as we cooperate with God in planting and watering we must trust in him completely for growth. We can only water if the heavens don't hold back their rains. Even the soil in which we plant comes from the LORD.Abram shows us the fruit that this trust can bear.
“To your descendants I give this land,
from the Wadi of Egypt to the Great River the Euphrates.”
This is why our trust must be completely in God. Abram exemplifies this.
Abram put his faith in the LORD,
who credited it to him as an act of righteousness.
And we needn't fear that the LORD won't provide. He has joined us to himself as family by the promise of the New Covenant.
He remembers forever his covenant
which he made binding for a thousand generations—
Rejoice, because he is faithful!
Glory in his holy name;
rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!
Look to the LORD in his strength;
seek to serve him constantly.
I Will Delight
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