Fruit that Reveals
Last week we heard Jesus say two simple words to Levi: “Follow me.” Levi left his tax booth and walked away from everything he knew. That simple act raises a vital question: what does it truly mean to follow Jesus? Luke 6 gives us insight as Jesus teaches about life in the kingdom and warns:
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46)
He begins with a tree: a good tree bears good fruit, and a bad tree bears bad fruit. “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” What’s hidden inside you eventually appears on the outside. Consider professional golfer Tom Lehman, who, under immense pressure, called a penalty on himself that cost his Tour card. The stress didn’t shape his integrity; it revealed it.
Digging Deep for a Solid Foundation
Jesus isn’t satisfied with admiration without obedience. He asks us to move beyond religious language and let His teaching shape every part of our lives. He calls us to love our enemies, to show mercy, and to examine our own hearts before we judge another. These aren’t abstract ideas; they are practices—sometimes difficult, but essential to following Him.
John Wesley called this ongoing work “sanctification,” the gradual transformation from grace to grace. When we feel inadequate, we remember that it’s not about perfection but about allowing God’s grace to keep forming us.
When the Storms Come
“As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice… they are like a man building a house on rock. When the flood came, the torrent struck that house but it did not collapse.” (Luke 6:47-48)
In South Florida, I’ve watched builders drill deep foundations before anything appears above ground. It may look like nothing is happening, but the hidden work supports the weight of the entire building. In the same way, Jesus calls us to build on Him, not on shifting sand like career ambitions, the approval of others, or even religious routines.
Living Out Jesus’ Teachings
Jesus never promises a life without storms—He promises a foundation that holds. When pressure hits—disappointment, pain, uncertainty—who we truly are is revealed. So this week, consider a small step of obedience: make that overdue apology, extend mercy instead of holding a grudge, or pray for someone you’re tempted to criticize.
Reflect and Respond
Ask yourself: What have I been building my life on? What is one teaching of Jesus I will practice this week? If you’re exploring faith, you don’t need all the answers—just come closer, listen, and take one step of obedience. And if you’ve followed Jesus for years, maybe there’s a familiar lesson you’ve heard but haven’t yet lived out.
When the next storm comes, may our foundation be Christ alone. Dig deep, build on the rock, and let grace carry you through.
Amen.