Evidence of life

There is nothing like ripe, fresh fruit.  

To be able to pick a piece of fruit from the tree and eat it is one of the great experiences of life.  I remember, years ago, traveling to family in California and experiencing the thrill of picking an orange from the tree in their yard.  I still remember my amazement and joy at eating that fresh orange.

Fresh fruit is the ultimate sign of life from a fruit tree. It tells you, without any doubt, this tree is alive!  And because of that life we enjoy the fruit.  

There is one more thing I think about when my thoughts wander to this topic of fruit-  fresh fruit has a sweetness to it.  It's as if one of the great evidences of fresh fruit is a sweet subtle taste that makes you want more.

So what is the evidence of life for the Christian?  

What tells the world, as they walk by, that you are alive?  

It's the fruit!  

Here's how Paul describes the fruit that comes from us when we are alive in Christ,

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!"

The great thing about this kind of fruit is that others are drawn to it, there's a sweetness about our lives that makes them want to be around us.  The fruit of the Spirit coming out of our lives draws others to us. It draws them to the sweet fruit of God's presence.  

It's the same thing that happened when Jesus was here....people loved being with him.  

The fruit of his life was sweet and refreshing.

So what is the evidence of life in you?  Does the fruit of your life have the sweet taste of God's presence or the bitter taste of flesh and religion?

Is there evidence that you are alive?  How does it taste to those around you?