Matthew 7:16-20 16 “You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.”

Most people reading this tend to focus in on the fruit that’s produced. Okay…but a closer look will reveal that the Lord is really focusing on the tree. The fruit merely demonstrates the quality of the tree. We have all encountered this: there are trees whose fruit is healthy and delicious, and there are trees whose fruit is scarcely edible, not so good or even useless.

Here’s the big idea - the fruit doesn't make the tree - the tree makes the fruit. A tree that produces good fruit is firmly rooted in soil which provides adequate water and nourishment. It’s not much different with the people of God; those of us whose lives are rooted in and dedicated to Jesus produce good fruit. Others, who try to produce good works for "religious" reasons, or to prove or approve of themselves, may produce fruit, but it will be much inferior. When our focus is on Jesus, and our lives are centered in Him, the fruit we produce will not be from self-effort, and its quality will be exceptional …because it’s simply the produce of a good tree.

So, stop trying to produce good works in your own strength. Tap into the Source of your life, Jesus, allowing the sap of His Spirit to flow through you – and then watch what GREAT FRUIT He is continually able to produce!