Matthew 7:16-20 - Hypocrites in the Test Plot?

This week while driving to Sioux Falls, with plenty of time behind the wheel, I decided to call a friend of mine in Idaho while driving. I described to him some of the sites I saw  enroute, that he normally wouldn't see in north Idaho. Nearing harvest season in Iowa we see seed salesmen, inviting farmers to view different varieties of corn that have been carefully planted in separate rows. I didn't see a food truck or any free hamburgers, but there were several pickups parked at one test plot. The farmers were gathered around the seed salesman to listen to his explanation of what was there for inspection.

I know a good ear of sweet corn when I see it--and taste it. When it comes to field corn, I don't know what field corn will combine the easiest, dry the quickest, produce the best nutrition or sugar, etc. But a farmer knows. He can discern if the seed matches up to the claims made for it.

Twice in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, "You will know them by their fruits." (Matthew 7:16 & 20). He is talking, of course, of identifying a genuine Christian as compared to a false prophet.

Unfortunately, some people judge Christianity by so-called believers who aren't really Christian to begin with. Jesus says, "Look at their life. Is it producing Christ-like virtues and actions?" The best sales pitch for Christianity is the genuine article. The test plot is open for inspection.

Lord, The world is cynical about fakes and hypocrites. We want to be the "real deal." Produce in our lives the kind of fruit that bears up under inspection, winsome and attractive. In the name of Jesus, Amen.