Arriving home one day, I noticed a neighbor was cutting down their avocado tree. From the looks of it, it was at least twenty years old. Surprised, I stopped to ask the arborist for a reason.

“Well, unfortunately, this tree suffered from a canker which has rotted it from the inside out. It’s become prevalent in this area, and the only solution is to cut it down.” He also mentioned that the tree could infect nearby trees.

Upon hearing this, I was saddened that this diseased tree would no longer bear good fruit. But I was also relieved because, as an avocado tree owner myself, it meant my tree could avoid this deadly infection.

My neighbor’s tree reminds me of how this represents our belief system. Perhaps years ago, the disease of discourse or falsehood infected your life and is now rotting you. If this is the case, you are not bearing fruit but instead spreading the disease.

Today take the time to evaluate the health of your life by the fruit you’re bearing. If your life is unhealthy, determine whether there is an opportunity to treat the disease. If none, consider cutting out the disease before it ravages your life.

Daily Directive:

Answer and Journal the Following

Read:

Read and meditate on Matthew 7:16-20 for yourself. 

Pray:

What kind of fruit is your life bearing? Be real; be honest.

Meditate / Make It Real:

Pray and create a plan on how you will bear good fruit and if not, what are you going to cut down? Be specific.

Share / Show:

Share this with that fellow brother and have them hold you accountable.