Diagnostic traces problems from symptoms to root causes. This is true whether we are considering car engine problems, physical ailments, or computer malfunctions. The same is true when evaluating one's spiritual condition. Jesus has called on us to live examined lives, to deal with the sin within us so we can see clearly to help others in their struggles with sin. But how do we peer inside? How do we know what is going on at heart level, at the very core of our beings? Jesus' simple insight from Luke 6-- 'The Fruit reveals the root". Jesus uses the analogy of fruit-bearing trees to teach the spiritual lesson that a good tree brings forth good fruit and each tree is recognized by the fruit it produces. As believers in Christ, we have two roots within-- the flesh or the old sinful nature, and the Spirit of God, or the new nature. Each of these roots produce fruit which we can observe and trace back to who or what is controlling us. And once we trace back the fruit to the root, we can take corrective measures. The gospel changes us from the inside out. We can change at the very root level as we say 'no' to sin, and 'yes' to God. But we can not only take corrective measures, but preventative ones too. For our hearts are like treasure chests and depending upon what we are storing within them determines what we do and say. Jesus says that it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. Our mouths are the spill-way of our souls. What is on the inside comes out. So, it is important that we fill our hearts with the right kind of treasure, like the treasure of God's Word!
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