The summer after we purchased our house, I planted 23 trees in my yard. I wanted something that would last. Something that would grow strong over time and bring beauty and shade to the people I love.
Turns out, Jesus had something similar in mind when He talked about trees in Matthew 7.
In a world that’s obsessed with fast results and flashy appearances, Jesus gives us a quiet, powerful image: a tree. Not just any tree, but one that bears good fruit. Why? Because eventually, the fruit tells the truth.
Jesus says, “You can identify people by their actions, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit” (Matthew 7:20). That’s a gut-check. It means who we are on the inside will always show up on the outside… eventually.
So the question isn’t just “What do I believe?” or “How do I look to others?” The real question is: What kind of fruit is my life producing?
Fruit Doesn’t Lie
Think about it: you don’t evaluate a tree by its bark—you look at its fruit.
The fruit of your life is what you consistently produce over time. It’s your words when you’re tired. Your tone when you’re frustrated. The way you treat people who can’t benefit you. That’s the real you.
And let’s be honest—sometimes what we see in our own lives isn’t all that pretty. But that’s not where Jesus leaves us.
It Starts with Your Roots
Psalm 1 paints a picture of a tree planted by streams of water. Its roots go deep, and it never withers. That’s the invitation: to be rooted in God’s Word and presence.
When we’re rooted in Jesus, we’re not chasing approval by people or driven by the latest crisis. We grow steady. We grow strong. We grow fruit that lasts.
Pruning Is Part of the Process
If you’re in a tough season, here’s some good news: pruning isn’t punishment—it’s preparation.
John 15 tells us that God prunes the branches that bear fruit so they can bear even more fruit. Maybe God is cutting away something in your life right now—a habit, a relationship, a comfort zone. Not to hurt you, but to help you grow.
So… What Now?
Here’s your call to action:
- Get rooted. Start your day by spending real, regular time in Scripture.
- Pay attention to your fruit. What’s coming out of your life when things get hard?
- Invite pruning. Ask God to remove anything that’s keeping you from growing.
And remember, trees don’t bear fruit every day. There are seasons. But if you stay close to Jesus, fruit will come. Not because you forced it, but because He grew it in you.
So today, don’t just admire the tree. Be like the tree.
Planted in Christ.
Bearing good fruit.
And pointing others to the One who gives life.
ERIK LINDEEN 