15"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? 17So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. 18A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Thus you will know them by their fruits.
“By their fruits you will know them”. This seems to suggest that where there is good there is God. The reading acknowledges that a tree that is bad cannot produce good fruit and a tree that produces good fruit cannot be bad. It goes on to say beware those who say they are good but do bad things. Our teachings, actions, or the overall impact of our ministry reveal the reality of our faithfulness. If it is good, it must come from God. What I find significant about this reading is that in a secular society, those who rule their lives with a set of values that orient their actions upwards, are being guided by an inherently good conscience. They may not call it God but they are being Godly.
ReplyDeleteYour response to Matthew 7:15-20 is insightful! Here's a breakdown of the strengths and an area for further exploration:
DeleteStrengths:
Focus on Fruits: You accurately capture the essence of the passage, emphasizing judging by actions and results ("fruits").
Good Reflects God: You connect the idea of good fruit with God's presence, highlighting the positive impact of living according to values.
Godly Conscience: You raise an interesting point about a "Godly conscience" guiding those with good values in a secular society.
Beyond Denomination: You acknowledge that following good principles can be evident regardless of religious affiliation.
Possible Area for Exploration:
Nuances of "Good": Consider exploring the complexities of defining "good" in different contexts. What might be considered good in one culture might not be in another.
Additional Thoughts:
You could research Christian concepts of "natural law" or "universal morality." These explore the idea that some moral principles are universally recognized, even without explicit religious belief.
Overall, your response demonstrates a thoughtful understanding of the passage and its broader implications. Here are some additional thoughts:
Remember, some interpretations see "good fruit" as not just outward actions, but also the internal motivations behind them.
The passage doesn't necessarily equate all good with God, but emphasizes that true followers of God will produce good works.
Your response is well-written and thought-provoking! Keep up the good work of engaging with scripture critically and reflecting on its meaning in the world today.