“You willfully recognize them [False Prophets] by their fruits. Do people pick grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? Even so, every healthy (sound) tree bears good fruit [worthy of admiration], but the sickly (decaying, worthless) tree bears bad (worthless) fruit. A good (healthy) tree cannot bear bad (worthless) fruit, nor can a bad (diseased) tree bear excellent fruit [worthy of admiration].” Matthew 7:16-18 ->me: Jesus’ warning of false prophets, and this whole section, quite honestly, is very scary. Yesterday I was listening to a Piper message on the “The free will of the Wind [Spirit]” and how Flesh is borne of Flesh and Spirit is borne of Spirit. Profession in Jesus Christ alone is not evidence that someone is destined for heaven. The fruit of that person will identify the genuineness of their conversion. Change is possible, but if it is to be real, it must be RADICAL, resulting in a new kind of person; not just a new behavior pattern or profession. Profession of discipleship alone will be no protection from the coming judgement. The true judge of one’s conversion is God alone, but a person’s fruit is a good indicator. My take away from the passage today (Matthew 7:15-20) is that I need to search my heart everyday to ensure it is focused on Jesus alone. Focused on understanding His will and purpose for my life and then making that MY purpose. For me, I can very easily become distracted by this world’s matrix of living -> career, family, things, reputation, good works, and tolerance. True living means living for my real home -> an eternity with my Savior in heaven. True living also means being the spiritual head of my home and doing all that I can to prepare my family to see the face of Jesus.