When I first became active in my church, I had been seeking for the right church to join and investigating several religions. I told a friend I was confused. He shared a scripture that said you can know if something is good by the fruits it bears. It went on to say something to the effect that you don’t pick grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles. This caused me to take a hard look at the fruits of the different churches in hopes of recognizing the good church.
During this time of turmoil in our society and voices from different leaders, I have found this same method useful as I try to decipher truth. As I hear different leaders, I look at the fruits they have borne. Are they fruits of hate and rude behavior, seeking riches and divisiveness? Are they fruits of unity, concern for the poor and downtrodden, and care for the planet and people? The leaders of my church have told us to get rid of racism, they preach hope, and they talk of civility and helping hands. Some leaders in our state and country have chosen to focus on helping people through this pandemic while others have focused on lies, personal gain and reelection for themselves.
I hope this is helpful. It has been a wonderful guide for me. Know them by their fruits.
Joan Rond
West Jordan