“By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit” - Mathew 7:16 (NIV).
After Christianity arrived here in Uganda on many occasions people would be asked to prove they were converts. In the olden days most of the converts carried with them their baptism certificates which also identified their denominations. These pieces of paper along with a “Christian name” were all that was needed to prove one being a Christian.
However, while one may have a piece of paper with his Christian names legibly printed, there is something else more. Our leading verse shares with us one of the identities of a Christian, other than mere carrying a baptism certificate or boasting of having a Christian name, are the fruits. Any person may trumpet and proclaim himself as a believer in Christ but a litmus test is clearly the fruits.
Take for instance, throughout history there has been countless examples of the Disciples of Christ involved in countless self-sacrificial work that has had lasting impact on humanity, moved because they were followers of Christ. Christians have built schools that have accessed education opportunities to all, set up hospitals to offer care to all, built orphanages to give chance to the less fortunate, fought for social justice to ensure all have equal opportunity, often putting their lives at risk. All has been to show the love of Christ to the world. For whereas evangelization of the world can be through the sharing of the word; the deeds in themselves are a testimony of the Christ we believe in. Good deeds do often leave many wondering and asking where Christians draw the power to love others!
Today, how about reflecting on the power of deeds and getting involved in some activity where without saying as much, the fruits point to the Christ you believe in!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray that my love and devotion to you, may be exhibited through deeds that show your love and draw all to the Christ we believe, this I pray in Jesus’s name!
