Matthew 7:18,20,  "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit...Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."

Think

"What kind of fruit are you producing?" Have you ever taken a bite of a delicious-looking, bright red apple, only to discover it was completely rotten on the inside? You immediately wanted to spit out the whole mushy mess! Good fruit is the result of a healthy plant or tree. But it's not just the outside of the fruit that matters; it needs to be good all the way through. The same is true when it comes to our faith. God doesn't want us to live fake or phony lives. He wants us to live a life that is faithfully producing good fruit. He doesn't demand perfection from us but he has given us all we need to produce a life that reflects his character and his priorities – and not just on Sundays at church. But, maybe you've encountered a Christian who wasn't producing good fruit. Don't let one bad apple ruin the bunch! Live the way God challenges you to every day of the week. Make sure you are planted in the church and surround yourself with others who desire to show the world the kind of fruit God really produces!

Act

Make a list of a few of your behaviors or attitudes that you believe contradict the fruitful life that God has for you. Make a choice to actively pursue God through the day as you ask his help to bring about change in those areas.

Pray

God, I don't want to live a fake, phony, or rotten existence. Instead, I want to be the kind of person who makes a real difference. Help me become more like you so I can better reflect you to the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.