Judging the Fruit of the Trees Labeled Christian

The Christian name gets thrown around a lot during various seasons or when meeting some people.  With this comes those who are true Christians, letting someone they meet know who they are in a quicker manner than taking the time to figure it out, while others use this label as a cloak to hide under to gain trust because they have ulterior motives.  This article has a focus on the trees that have the label of Christian but do not have biblical practices of conduct.  A Christian does not make a sale to or buys from someone by cheating them (Leviticus 25:14; Leviticus 19:11).  A Christian does not have false balances to tip the scale toward themselves at the disadvantage of others (Proverbs 11:1).  A Christian does not have a love for money perverting their heart by embezzeling money or using other practices to collect gains that does not belong to them (1 Timothy 6:10).  A Christian does everything in word and deed giving glory to God through Jesus Christ because they are biblical in their conduct (Colossians 3:17).  A Christian remembers it is God Who gives them the ability to gain wealth, not through selfish means (Deuteronomy 8:18).  A Christian does not lie to others because they are renewed into the image of Christ (Colossians 3:9-10).  There are things that the Lord hates which include: a prideful attitude, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood through murder or murdering a person’s reputation, a person who comes up with evil plans, a person who is quick to do evil, a person who bears false witness through lies, and a person who brings division among the body of Christ (Proverbs 6:16-19; Exodus 20:16).  A Christian builds the things in life through their own hands, not unbiblical practices (Proverbs 24:27).  A Christian does not look like the world’s standard of practices but proves what is acceptable to God (Romans 12:2).  A Christian does not rob someone of wages worked (Leviticus 19:13).  A Christian works for their money because the quick methods of gains will allow the wealth to vanish (Proverbs 13:11).  A Christian lives in the freedom of truth and does not use the freedom to cover up their evil (1 Peter 2:16).  One may ask, why is there such a focus on this topic?  Many people, believers and unbelievers alike, have been on the receiving end of trees with a Christian label but have been done wrong in business.  This is not aligned with the biblical practices and does not reflect how true Christians should handle themselves.  This article has three purposes.  One is to call out those who are practicing unjust methods under the name of being a Christian.  The second is to encourage those who are practicing proper Christian methods.  The third is to let others know when they see or hear of a Christian person, judge the actual fruit of their life and business practices to see whether they are hiding behind the label of being a Christian or reflect the Bible in their conduct.  Every practice discussed here is not only for people in business but for all business conducted by people.  Especially in today’s time, people are turning a deaf ear and a blind eye to Jesus because some members of the body of Christ do not represent Him properly.  May Christians be more like Christ and less selfish in doing things their way.  When Christians do things God’s way, it brings true wealth that remains, a good reputation, and a clean and clear conscience before God.  For more information about Abundant Grace Church, visit agcsparta.org.