The Good Treasure of the Heart

A young Pastor Chuck, giving an even younger
Pastor Phil Hamner, his first ministers' license. 

Scripture:

Luke 6:43   “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; ⁴⁴ for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. ⁴⁵ The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.

Observation:

Neale tells us that his illustration is “a simple and wholesome portrait of the holy life” (NBBC).There is a deep connection to be found between practices and the disposition of the heart. It is the actions of the individual that expose the good treasure of their heart. 

Application:

Jesus’ illustrations are so simple, and yet so profound. Throughout life I have learned to steer away from someone’s rhetoric and, instead, look at the fruit of their life. 

I remember meeting my husband when he came to Kansas City to go to Seminary. He’s not one that is given to too much conversation, or heavy theological discussion. He would not be the student with his hand up to explain things in class, but rather, would quietly absorb what was going on around him. 

When we met, he had taken on the job of van driver at the church he was attending. The church had moved from its previous location in the city and moved out into the suburbs. An entire group of elderly women no longer found it easy to get to church. Therefore, every week he would drive the church van on a circuit and pick up 8-10 little old ladies. He took this responsibility seriously and was faithful to caring for them. He would help them into and out of the van, and chat with them along the way. Most of them attended the Fidelis Sunday School class that was taught by a saint of the church, Dr. Mary Scott. He would help them all get settled into class and then lead them in music. They loved him, and he loved them. 

You see, there were plenty of young men around who could talk the talk, but this was the one who walked the walk. His life was an overflow of what was in his heart. That’s what attracted me to him — the fruit he bore.

We will each be known by the fruit in our lives. Look around, and examine the fruit you have borne and see if you may need to ask God to help you make adjustments so that your life will be a living witness of the presence of Christ. If you have produced fruit, rejoice, and ask God to give you more, and in abundance. It all begins with the heart of a disciple that is shaped by the presence of our Lord. 

Prayer:

Lord, fill my heart with your presence so that good treasure may overflow. Amen.