I do not know to what extent many who call themselves Christians are truly disciples of the Lord. But I know one thing: the quality of the seed is proven by its fruit, just like the quality of the offering results in the quality of the life of the Christian. Good seed, good fruit. Bad seed, bad fruit. Those who give offerings are evaluated by the quality of their offerings. There is no doubt of this.
What’s interesting is that the offering eliminates the merit factor. No one needs to deserve it to be blessed. Each person is blessed by the kind of dedication they render to the Altar. The same way you give, you will receive. There is freedom to give the way you want to. However, you will receive as much as you give (Luke 6.38). No one can escape from this.
In the parable of the ten virgins, apparently, they were all prepared waiting for their bridegroom. They were all virgins (without sin) and had the same spiritual conditions. But when they heard the bridegroom was coming, their offering spoke louder. Half of them entered, while the other half was left behind. Afterward, when the foolish cried out to come in, the LORD said, ‘I do not know you.’
The Lord Jesus said: by their fruits you will know the tree. From above, trees look the same. However, when you pull off their fruit, you see the difference. The same is true when it Christians. Apparently, they are all “converted” and “saved”. But when you evaluate their actions, offerings or social behavior, you will see the reality of their faith, because the offering is a witness of the offering-giver. Whether it is in your defense or your accusation, there’s no escaping from it.
Each offering reveals the character of each offering-giver. It reveals whether he is dishonest or sincere. It proves his faith, his love, his consideration and, above all, his fear of God Almighty. Therefore, by their fruits you will know the tree. The actions of a Christian will reveal what kind of Christian he has been.
Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Matthew 7.17-20
