Getting to the Root of the Matter: Luke 3:9-14
“9) Indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; so every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” 10) And the crowds were questioning him, saying, “Then what shall we do?” 11) And he would answer and say to them, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise.” 12) And some tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13) And he said to them, “Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.” 14) Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, “And what about us, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.”” Luke 3:9-14
According to verse 9, if the fruit on the tree is bad there is a root problem. So it is with people, change does not happen until you address root problems. Bad character comes from twisted morals and values. John didn’t counsel people, he called them to repentance.
So how do you know repentance has taken place? Genuine inward change produces a change in outward character. Luke sites three examples from the conversations John had with people.
First, people stop being selfish and hording and start sharing and showing compassion. So the person who has plenty of clothing and food should share with those who have none.
Second, people stop cheating and exploiting others and become honest in their dealings with other people. So the tax gathers needed to become honest and stop taking from people more than what was required.
Finally, people stop hurting, bullying or abusing others and begin caring for their welfare.. So the soldiers needed to put away force and false accusations and start treating people with honesty, dignity and respect.
These three things represent a huge change in value system. They do not bring salvation, but they represent a measurable change in attitude, personal philosophy and people skills. They point to an inner change of heart. The inner compass moves from self to others.
People can make these changes without knowing God. It is called personal growth and development. But those who truly know God will start making these changes. At some point on this “change journey” most people encounter Jesus Christ.
One of my favorite personal growth and development authors is John Maxwell. God has used him around the world to raise up effective leaders. In the process, he has reached hundreds of thousands of people with the gospel.
People soon come to realize they cannot genuinely change inwardly apart from the grace of God. Like John the Baptist, John Maxwell has spent much of his life faithfully pointing people to Jesus Christ. Many of his books are in my personal library.
Though these five verses do not sound evangelistic, they are far more profound than they appear at first glance. No matter your ethnicity, occupation or social status in life, your true root system will catch up with you. Beware of what you become on the pursuit of what you want!
Stop blaming others for your negative circumstances in life. If you truly want change, you must dig deeply into your own root system. The true problems are within you! If you want change, you must first change.
Jesus Christ is waiting to help you change from the inside out. Sincerely reaching out to Him is a necessary step in your personal transformation journey. I never minimize what He can do in and through those who seek Him.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“9) Indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; so every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” 10) And the crowds were questioning him, saying, “Then what shall we do?” 11) And he would answer and say to them, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise.” 12) And some tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13) And he said to them, “Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.” 14) Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, “And what about us, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.”” Luke 3:9-14
According to verse 9, if the fruit on the tree is bad there is a root problem. So it is with people, change does not happen until you address root problems. Bad character comes from twisted morals and values. John didn’t counsel people, he called them to repentance.
So how do you know repentance has taken place? Genuine inward change produces a change in outward character. Luke sites three examples from the conversations John had with people.
First, people stop being selfish and hording and start sharing and showing compassion. So the person who has plenty of clothing and food should share with those who have none.
Second, people stop cheating and exploiting others and become honest in their dealings with other people. So the tax gathers needed to become honest and stop taking from people more than what was required.
Finally, people stop hurting, bullying or abusing others and begin caring for their welfare.. So the soldiers needed to put away force and false accusations and start treating people with honesty, dignity and respect.
These three things represent a huge change in value system. They do not bring salvation, but they represent a measurable change in attitude, personal philosophy and people skills. They point to an inner change of heart. The inner compass moves from self to others.
People can make these changes without knowing God. It is called personal growth and development. But those who truly know God will start making these changes. At some point on this “change journey” most people encounter Jesus Christ.
One of my favorite personal growth and development authors is John Maxwell. God has used him around the world to raise up effective leaders. In the process, he has reached hundreds of thousands of people with the gospel.
People soon come to realize they cannot genuinely change inwardly apart from the grace of God. Like John the Baptist, John Maxwell has spent much of his life faithfully pointing people to Jesus Christ. Many of his books are in my personal library.
Though these five verses do not sound evangelistic, they are far more profound than they appear at first glance. No matter your ethnicity, occupation or social status in life, your true root system will catch up with you. Beware of what you become on the pursuit of what you want!
Stop blaming others for your negative circumstances in life. If you truly want change, you must dig deeply into your own root system. The true problems are within you! If you want change, you must first change.
Jesus Christ is waiting to help you change from the inside out. Sincerely reaching out to Him is a necessary step in your personal transformation journey. I never minimize what He can do in and through those who seek Him.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
