Into Production: Matthew 3.7-10

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Matthew 3.7-10

When I was in college I was very politically minded and motivated. I joined a campus political group because I was interested in bringing changes to campus, and ultimately to the world. I attended meetings, paid dues, went to rallies, voted for officers and all the other things that you are supposed to do in a club of that sort. But it did not take too many months before I was disillusioned and I quit the group. You see, they didn't do anything. I had nothing to show for my time and energy.

Likewise, when I became a pastor I joined a group that had as its goal to maintain spiritual and biblical integrity in the UM Church. However, I soon discovered that the group was simply a front for people who wanted to complain about everything and everyone that they did not like. I had to quit that group as well.

We want to get something for our efforts, don't we? We want to accomplish something in the church, in the world, in our families. I do not have the time or the energy to waste on something that will come to nothing. The world is big and the needs are great. We need to be producing something.

1. Hear God's warning. (v. 7) When we are not doing what God wants for our lives, he warns us. Sometimes his voice comes through in a dramatic way. At other times we have to be more attentive. Either way, we need to be listening for God. That means that we need to be in worship, in prayer, in the Bible.


2. Prove your faith by your actions. (v. 8) Do something about what you believe. We are good at talking about our beliefs. Sometimes our actions do not back them up. If you believe that the Bible is true, then live like it is.


3. Recognize that your heritage doesn't matter. (v. 9) Too many Christians believe that they get a pass because of who their parents are, or who their spouse is. It does not matter what church you attend or what organizations you belong to or give to. You are responsible for your own faith and life.


4. Produce fruit. (v.10) The bottom line of the Christian experience is to produce fruit. We need to make a difference in our world. Every one of us is required to live in this way. There are no exceptions.