"CHRISTIAN FRUITS AND CHARACTERISTICS"
by Daniel Valles.  12/1/6

In our world today, there seems to be a hundred-and-one ways to mark whether someone is truly ‘spiritual’, or has ‘arrived’.  Many times you will hear pastors and teachers tout the prosperity gospel – that if you aren’t showing material blessings and wealth, then you must be backsliding.  Others lift up gibberish tongues as being ‘spiritual’.  Still others go totally by appearances of dress and decorum.  On the other extreme, you have those lukewarm and cold churches that do not try to lift their sheep to any level, instead debasing them with the world’s music and secular activities.  I think that for most of Christianity today, the most common ‘fruits’ that Christians look for are: (1) perfect attendance at their church building; (2) tithing and giving money to the church building; (3) attendance at social events.  Others could be listed, but these appear to be the top three. 

However, none of those are what the Bible calls Christians to strive for.  I believe that many Christians do not get on fire for God, zealous for His Word, and endeavor to serve Him because the average Christian is more intent on encouraging one another to ‘be at church.’  While that may or may not be wrong, my point is that most Christians are intent on teaching how to give an appearance of fruit, without actually generating fruit.  The church buildings are full of lost people who have perfect attendance, give generously, sing in the choir, teach Sunday Schools, run buses, and more! 

Instead of teaching man’s tradition and religious formalism, let us teach each other how to love and serve God!  We are going to examine just nine specifics, mindsets, and actions that Christians are encouraged to have in their life.  II Peter 3:1-2 tells us that that book was written to “…stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour.”  It is part of our duty as a Christian to encourage and exhort one another to love and to good works (Heb. 10:24).  Throughout our life we need to remind others (and we need reminding) of what God’s Word calls us to. 

To get started, let us look at the fruits of the Spirit, found in Galatians 5:22-23.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”  Every Christian’s life should manifest these attributes.  If we know that we are not bearing enough fruit in one area, we should confess our sins and ask God to help, teach, and cultivate those fruits in our lives.  Notice that more than half of those fruits are in our relation to other people.  Our testimony for Christ is not necessarily in wearing a suit and tie on Sunday, it is having a meekness and temperance, love and peace whilst we are among the lost on Monday.  James 3:13 reminds us, “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.” 

That brings us to our next fruit: Christian work ethic.  In the New Testament, Paul repeatedly exhorted people about their work ethic.  II Thessalonians 3:10-12 says, “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.  For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.  Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.”  A poor work ethic is a stain not only on your personal character, but also on your testimony for Christ.   I Thess. 4:11-12  “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.”  The way you work, and the attitude with which you work is a direct testimony on your salvation and Saviour.  Titus 3:14 says, “And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.” The line of work, the quality of work, and the spirit of work is a testimony that we are not of this world.  We are stewards of the King.  Our responsibilities and accountability is in all areas of life.  If we do less than our best, we will be rewarded accordingly.  Your work ethic in the secular realm will also translate into the spiritual realm.  The zeal and carefulness you cultivate will help in reading God’s Word and performing in your life what He wants you to do.  The discipline of a Christian work ethic is a testimony that even the world respects and takes notice of.  Titus 2:9-10 exhorts, “…servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.”  The world is more apt to listen and respect what you have to say when they know that your work is worthy of respect, especially if they know you are not working to please the boss, you are working to please your Saviour. 

Similar to a good work ethic, Christians should have manners evident in their life.  Titus 2:7, “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works…”  The Scriptures are filled with examples of preferring one another, loving thy neighbor as thyself, hospitality in the church body; and, in general, mannerisms that reflected a love and concern that the world does not know.  Again, just like a good work ethic, our manners play a large part in sharing the Gospel, exhorting, and encouraging the brethren.  II Timothy 2:24-25 reminds us that “the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.”  In the American and world culture of today, psychology teaches people that the world is all about you.  So many people are so wrapped up in what they want, and what they are going to do, that they do not have time to show compassion to others.  A lost person, who may have refused the Gospel before, will be more apt to talk to you at a hard time in their life if they know that your love and compassion is real, not just pleasantries.

Another part of our testimony to the world and our separation for Christ in in the area of activities.  Psalm 1:1 says, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”  The activities we partake in or become associated with directly affects our testimony for Him.  If you go to a psychologist for advice instead of getting Christian counsel, the world and young believers will know that God is not important to you.  If you go to movie theaters and other dens of iniquity, you are sitting in the seat of the scornful.  You are telling the world that you enjoy being in places and activities where God’s name is taken in vain, Christianity mocked, values and morality laughed at, and sin and debauchery is encouraged.  I Peter 4:4-5 warns, “Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:  Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.”  You will give account for yourself.  The crowds you run with will not be called to give an account collectively – you will.    Do not run after what the world runs after.  When the rat race is over, they are still rats.  Christians, we are sheep following our holy and righteous Shepherd!  Titus 2:12 teaches us that, “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”  II Timothy 2:22 commands us: “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”  What are you following after?

A related subject that has to do with our outward testimony is our modesty.  So many people confuse modesty with only our dress.  The way we dress is a result of our modesty.  Modesty is an idea – properly, it means restrained by a sense of propriety; not forward or bold; not presumptuous or arrogant; not boastful.  Modesty applies to our life, not just our dress.  The Bible repeatedly commands us to think of ourselves modestly, not more than we ought; to behave towards others modestly, not arrogantly – humble, meek, preferring one another; to speak modestly, many times by saying nothing at all – to bridle the tongue; and to attire ourselves modestly, not boasting or advertising our body and form.  When we realize what true modesty is, we have a better understanding of what I Timothy 2:9-10 commands.  “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.”  Too many Christians limit themselves to a technical definition of modesty, and because of it, they miss the whole point and attire themselves less than modest.  Just because a skin-tight shirt is ‘technically’ modest does not mean it is modest.  You can be completely covered yet still be showing it all.  Let us strive to be modest – in mind, and in action and speech.

As we seek the Lord’s help to cultivate modesty in our life, we will also be working (in part) on another fruit: carefulness.

In Luke 21:34, we are told that the Christian life is not a relaxed vacation, but a constant vigil.  “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.”  In our culture and world today, it is so easy to be distracted away from serving God.  The appetites of the flesh are constantly reaching for the world’s deceptive dainties.  Too often we fall into the mindset of the here-and-now, instead of eternity.  When Christ addressed the churches of Revelation, He reminded all of them (in different ways) to keep their eyes on eternity and eternal rewards.  As Christians, we have a Saviour who is returning one day for His redeemed children.  We are nothing more than pilgrims and strangers on this earth; yet, too many Christians get so enthralled by their hotel room and the amenities that they forget the journey.  1 John 3:3 reminds us that, “…every man that hath this hope [Christ’s return] in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”  Our entire life here is in preparation for eternity!  II Timothy 4:5 exhorts, “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”  Christians must have a constant sense of carefulness in their life – ever checking to keep themselves unspotted from the world.  In our homes and lives, there should be a carefulness with what influences we entertain and accommodate.  Our pursuits, hobbies, leisures, and activities should all come under careful scrutiny to see if they are advancing or hindering our ministry.  There should also be a carefulness to diligently watch and beware of the old flesh.  In Luke 21:8, Christ exhorts, “Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.”  We need a carefulness in the doctrine we study, the preaching we hear, the books we read, and the influences on our faith.  Aware of our own weaknesses, we should build filters and safeguards in our life and family to keep temptation at bay.  Mark 14:38 commands every Christian, “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.”  Our constant prayer, vigilance, and carefulness will reap great rewards – not only in our own life, but also for others.  I Timothy 4:16 reminds us, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”  Our carefulness in our own life with sin and doctrine will also compel us to aid others.

A characteristic fruit missing from so many Christians today is a zeal to do right.  Oh, yes, they have a zeal to follow after the world’s pursuits – but what about to do what is right?  In II Corinthians 7:11, Paul commends the Christians at Corinth that they, “…sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.”  Those Christians were so determined to do right and return to clear fellowship with Christ, that they had a burning zeal – forget what the world and my friends think – I am going to do right for God!  One of the greatest enemies of zeal is hesitation.  So many Christians ponder over more of what the world and their friends will think than what God will think!  Just like the Corinthians, zeal for God should be evident in our life – don’t be obnoxious with what you stand for, but make sure people know what you stand for, and what you won’t stand for.  It is interesting that Paul described how they cultivated the zeal in their life.  Firstly, they got indignant at the sin that was in their life.  Christian, you will go nowhere for God until you are willing to get abhorred and indignant at what God calls sin.  Do not make excuses for it, do not pack it away for later – get indignant.  Burn your movies and tapes that have brought the world’s pursuits, language, music, and morals into your home.  Get rid of your television and rearrange the furniture in your living room so that your family life does not revolve the one-eyed, glass god.  In Psalm 119:139, David languishes that, “my zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.”  As Christians, we are commanded to be angry and sin not.  A Christian should not get a wanton anger like the world’s attitudes; but we should be justifiably angry and indignant at the lack of zeal in Christianity today – but, most importantly, in our own life.

Their second step was fear.  When they recognized the seriousness of the sin in their life, they had a righteous fear of God’s attitude toward their sin.  They recognized that light cannot fellowship with darkness, and that God chastens His children.  Christian, the sins that we coddle in our life will bring untold misery, frustration, and fruitlessness – not only in eternity, but also in the here and now!  God is not above chastening His children today.  Our indignation should bring a proper fear of God.  Once we see the seriousness and precariousness of our situation, because of our sins, we should have a zeal to remedy the situation to return to proper fellowship with God and escape and minimize sin’s impact on our life.

Our zeal is not just in dealing with sins, but also in serving God.  In Colossians 4:17, Paul exhorted Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.”  We have a duty to God while we are stationed here on earth.  Our fear, love, and respect for our Heavenly Father should make us zealous to burn the candle at both ends in our service for Him.  A recognition that time is short should drive us to make the most count of every day, contact, and opportunity.

As we go about in this world, serving God, the world should see a rare fruit in our life: hope.  I Peter 3:15 tells us to, “…be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”  The world should be able to see in our life a hope that they know nothing of.  It is a hope that has its eyes on eternity and our Saviour.  It is an inward peace that can only come from a soul secure in its eternal destination.  Psalm 146:5 exclaims, “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God.”  Our life and our actions should reflect that hope.  It should be on our lips, written in our eyes and attitude that we have a Saviour, and we have been redeemed.  We are no longer slaves to the flesh and death.  Our hope is also an anchor in the midst of calamity and sorrow.  Psalm 31:24 gently reminds us, “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.”  As Christians, we need a carefulness in our life to make sure that our eyes do not only see the temporal, but also the eternal.  We need to constantly remind ourselves that God is still on the throne, our soul secure, our home in Heaven, and a gracious Father who hear His child’s cries.  Psalm 38:15 should be on our lips and heart: “For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.”  As human beings living in this fleshly body, we can be tempted to throw pity-parties for ourselves and others, instead of a Christian response.  In Psalm 42:5, David snapped himself out of a pity-party by getting his eyes back on God, and his hope renewed: “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.”

Akin to carefulness, there is another fruit, or characteristic, that should be in the Christian’s life.  Because of our hope, we are to live our life watching.  II Peter 3:11-14 exhorts, “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?  Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.  Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”  Our eyes should always be on eternity and our Lord’s return.  How will be found when He returns?  Will we be a busy steward found by his Master, or will we be a slothful servant who plays while the Master is gone?  I Thessalonians 5:6 exhorts “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.”  There will be many other Christians unconcerned with the Lord’s immediate return and its impact on their life.  Too many Christians fritter their time, money, and energy in frivolous pursuits that only detract from their potential in eternity.  Each day brings us closer to an accounting of our stewardship.  I Peter 4:7 reminds us that, “the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.”

Have you been watching for our Lord’s return?  Have you garnered a soberness in your life at its implications?  Are you indignant at the sin and stumbling blocks in your life?  Do you have a proper fear of God who chastens and rewards His children depending on their service to Him?  Do we have a zeal to serve God regardless of what the world or our friends think?  Do we have a carefulness to keep sin and temptations to the flesh at bay, away from my home and family?  Do I have a modesty in mind and action?  Does the world see the fruits of the spirit cultivated in my life, or do they see more of the world and the flesh?

In short Christian, what is your life producing for eternity?  Will it be a pile of stubble – full of dried up efforts, futility, and fruitless pursuits?  Will it be a pile of chaff and weeds – sin and accommodations to the world and flesh?  Or, will it be a constant harvest of fruits that are well-pleasing to the Father?  What is the state of your harvest, steward?

“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. 
Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. 
They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.  
Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. 
O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! 
Then shall I not be ashamed,
when I have respect unto all thy commandments.”  
Psalm 119:1-6

 

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