How do we know what’s in a person’s heart? Jesus taught His disciples that a tree is known by its fruit,

For each tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a briar bush. (Luke 6:44)

We see that the root determines the fruit. The condition of your heart is revealed by your words and your actions. Jesus then moved from agriculture to people,

The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart. (Luke 6:45)

Your words and your actions reveal the true nature of your heart. The heart represents the inner person. What kind of treasure resides in your heart? This the reason why Solomon enjoined us take care of the condition our our heart,

Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life. (Proverbs 4:23)

We see Jesus’ repetition as He distinguished between two different types of people. A good man has a good treasure and brings forth fruit that is good. The word used for “good” means inherently good. This word describes goodness of character resulting in spiritual and moral excellence.

Unfortunately, many people are more concerned about looking good rather than being good. They may attempt to mask their true nature, but the truth will eventually be revealed. There is often an emphasis on short term gains at the expense of long term relationships.

We must always say and do the right action, even if it may cost us. In 1892 a young student at Stanford University organized a fund raiser and invited the world renowned composer and pianist, Ignacy Jan Paderewski, to give a benefit concert. Due to problems with scheduling and publicity, only a few people attended. Due to the small crowd, Paderewski waived his concert fee and, when he discovered that money was still owed for the rental of the concert hall, the musician graciously covered the bill.

Several years later, after World War I, Paderewski became Poland’s prime minister as the country faced massive starvation. The young man who had organized the concert meanwhile became the director of American Relief Administration (ARA), which fed more than 1.5 million people in Poland. The director of the ARA was Herbert Hoover and he remembered the generosity Paderewski showed to him as a college student and he was repaying the favor. Paderewski’s generosity to a group of young struggling college students reaped enormous dividends for his country in their time of need.

What do your words and actions reveal about your character? They reveal the true nature of your heart. May you watch over your heart and God will bring forth good fruit.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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