YOU ARE KNOWN BY YOUR FRUITS

Main Scriptures: Matt.7:16-18

More Scriptures: Eph.5:25, Eph.6:4, Ps.1:1-2

As the good and godly husbandman, let us do some exercises. How would you define the good and godly husbandman? What attributes would you want to see? And can you separate the head of the family from his manners or attitude? These questions are important in the times we are in when the husbandman is beginning to lose his identity. While you are preparing to answer the questions, I want you to meditate on this bible passage. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit, but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit (Matt.7:16-18).

You can and will always identify a seed by the fruits that it bears. A mango seed when planted and nurtured to full maturity will bear mangoes. And the taste also defines the nature of the fruits. Mangoes are sweet. Lemon fruits are not. Infact, a mango fruit does not have to explain itself to the person who eats it because it carries in it the nature that makes it a mango-sweet and succulent. That is what makes it a mango fruit.

So, the question you must ask yourself is this, are you behaving like the good and godly husbandman to your wife and children? Does your life reflect your identity as the godly man, husband and father?  Do you struggle to explain your personality as the godly man, husband and father to your wife and children? You must consider your ways and examine the conduct of your life to ensure that it agrees with what God expects from you as the good and godly husbandman.

As the head of the family, it does not fit your status to explain to your wife and children that you are the good and godly husbandman. It is also needless to keep reminding your wife and children that you are the head of the family. What should happen is for your sheep to know you by your transparent godly lifestyle which they can identify with Jesus Christ in your life. So, this places a demand on you to work on yourself and take personal responsibility to live the life Jesus Christ wants you to live-a life of godliness, generosity, mercy, compassion, diligence, forgiveness, hospitality, support, and encouragement. And one principal way you can improve on the quality of your life as the good and godly shepherd is to renew your mind with the Word of God, regularly (Rom.12:2). The more you read your bible, meditate on it and act on it, the more you are changed unto the image of Jesus Christ, the perfect model of the good and godly husbandman (2Cor.3:18). Be known by your godly lifestyle. Be a good and godly fruit to your wife and children and you will be glad you did.

SPIRITUAL EXERCISE

• Father, in the Name of Jesus, baptize me with the power to do Your will for me as the godly man, husband and father.
• Father, in the Name of Jesus, guide me through Your word and let it influence my life for the good of my wife and children.
• Father, in the Name of Jesus, empower me to bear good and godly fruit for my wife and children to see.

FAITH CONFESSION

I give attention to, meditate on and act on the Word of God because that is what empowers me to live the good and godly life as the man, husband and father in Jesus name. Amen.

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