I Say I Believe. What Does the Evidence Show?

Themes

• Jesus said, to say we believe God, we need to value His opinions. John 5:44
• He also said, to believe requires seeking God's praise. John 5:44
• And He said, you can judge whether something or someone is good or bad by the fruit (results) produced. Matt 12:35

Examining our own fruit
It is easy to make excuses for our own behavior and attitudes. Most of the time we feel justified; even when the results are destructive and painful.  If we can step outside ourselves and view impartially the results of our behavior, then we can see the evidence for ourselves of the degree to which we esteem God's opinions. The type of  fruit we see is the evidence of our secret beliefs and desires. Do we feel God would praise us for it?

Verses:
"You like to have praise from each other. But you never try to get the praise that comes from the only God. So how can you believe?"  John 5:44

Restated, in order to say we believe and follow God, we need to seek His praise for our daily behavior. Also it is a high priority with us to seek praise from God.

" You will fully recognize them by their fruits. Do people pick grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 20Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."   Matt 7:16-20

"The good man from his inner good treasure flings forth good things, and the evil man out of his inner evil storehouse flings forth evil things." Matt 12:35

Upon self examination, what fruit do we see in our daily words and actions? If we are honest with ourselves, we see a mix of good and bad. To seek God's praise, we  work on producing good fruit. This is a decision we make. May God follow our decision with strength and support in changing our attitudes and desires.