“By their fruit you will recognize them.” 

— Matthew 7:16

In the late 1800s, the French painter Paul Gauguin traveled to the South Pacific searching for a simpler, more authentic life. He believed modern society had complicated everything and that somewhere else he might rediscover what was real. Gauguin spent years painting scenes of island life, hoping that a change in surroundings would produce a deeper sense of meaning.

But historians who later studied his life noticed something interesting: even though he changed locations, the deeper struggles within his character followed him. Moving across the ocean didn’t transform the person inside.

It’s a reminder of an important truth: real change doesn’t come from changing scenery — it comes from changing the heart.

Jesus spoke about this idea using the language of fruit. In Matthew 7:16, He said that people are known by the fruit their lives produce. A healthy tree produces good fruit. A diseased tree cannot. The fruit is simply the visible evidence of what kind of tree it is.

In the same way, when someone truly walks with Christ, the evidence eventually appears in the way they live.

Not instantly. 

Not perfectly. 

But steadily.

A relationship with Jesus reshapes the inner life, and that inner transformation eventually shows itself outwardly. Patience begins to grow where irritation once ruled. Compassion begins to replace indifference. Integrity begins to take the place of shortcuts and compromise.

The change may be gradual, but it is real.

The Christian life is not meant to be a performance where we try to appear righteous while the heart remains unchanged. Instead, it is a relationship where Christ slowly reshapes our character from the inside out.

That’s why Jesus focused on fruit rather than appearances. 

Fruit cannot be forced or painted onto a tree. It grows naturally from the life within.

When the roots are healthy, the fruit follows.

In the same way, when a person stays connected to Christ through prayer, Scripture, and daily surrender, something begins to grow quietly within them. Over time, others begin to notice the difference — not because the person is trying to impress anyone, but because their life reflects the influence of the One they follow.

The world often measures people by status, talent, or success. But Jesus pointed to a different measure altogether.

Look at the fruit.

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word