My family knows next to nothing about gardening and landscaping. Plants need sun, water, food, and pruning to survive. That’s the extent of our expertise. So, you can imagine our surprise this past summer when, after three years of living in our home, one of the smallest trees in our backyard sprouted a single, pretty pear. Prior to that, we had no idea it was a pear tree.

“By their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matthew 7:20)

Sometimes I wonder if I’m the type of tree that’s recognizable to others who may not know much about God or Jesus Christ.

What do my fruits say about the type of tree that I am?

Is my tree producing good fruit? Bad fruit?

Is it a mix, making it difficult to identify me?

Is there no fruit to show who I am?

Am I planted in the right soil for fruit production?

Is my tree getting enough spiritual nourishment to produce fruit?

I’m going to slice an apple and think it over.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.