During my career as a healthcare administrator, I frequently interviewed candidates for positions. Do you know what set apart the best from the rest? They did what Jesus said. That is not to say they were all publicly-professing, completely devoted followers of Jesus. No, I am talking about what Jesus said in Luke 6:43-44: “For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its fruit.” Whether they realized Jesus said it first or not, the best candidates showed me who they were through the good things they had accomplished.
Just because someone has experience with “money handling” or “customer service” does not mean they do it well. That is where the “fruit” comes in. Fruit shows results, like contributing to a team that met its goals, being recognized on a satisfaction survey, or improving morale by spearheading get-togethers. Lots of candidates can describe their responsibilities, but the best candidates show their results. This truth is practical and helpful for anyone. A “tree is known by its fruit”, so what better way to help a hiring manager know what kind of person you are than by focusing on your fruit?
Yet, if you are a disciple of Jesus, His words mean even more. Given the amount of our lives we spend on the job, what good fruit are we as Christians showing at work? We should be the people who encourage everyone else and stay calm when times are tough. We should be going the extra mile on our assignments and always willing to help someone else out in the ways God has made us able. (All throughout, we should also be quick to give the reason for our hope by gently and respectfully giving God the glory, telling someone we are praying for them, or mentioning church when asked about our weekend.) Is your workplace better because you are there?
Jesus’ words are truth, and they can bring great blessings to us in all our endeavors. Yet, Jesus does not just want to help us spruce up our resumes or get better jobs. He wants to transform our whole lives – including that bit where we go to work each day – into something with greater meaning and abundance. If we will let Him, we will see the fruit.
Ready to work with God everyday? Check out our sermon series “Don’t Quit Your Day Job: Glorifying God from 9 to 5”!