Jesus created all things that exist (Col. 1:16). He used the objects in the world He created to teach the world how to live. For example, Jesus taught the principle, "by their fruits you shall know them." (Mat. 7:20).
Literally, that would certainly apply to apple trees, pear trees, orange trees and such. More broadly it would apply to pecan trees, tomato plants and stalks of corn. But as a principle, it applies more broadly still. Judge a thing, or a person, by what it does.
The apostles lived peaceful lives. They taught the words of Jesus (1 Jn. 1:3), which the Lord said came from the Father (Jn. 14:10). Their "fruit" gave evidence of their close affiliation with Jesus (Acts 4:13). Those who live by the words of Jesus have the ideas of God in them (Jn. 14:23). Those ideas bring about action and results that were planned by God (Jn. 15:4).
The reason why marriage is honored by Christians is because Jesus honored marriage (Mat. 19:4-9). The reason why Inspect the fruit of your life and decide women are not seen as property by Christian men is because Christian men are told to honor and love their wives above themselves (Eph. 5:25,28). They are not to be beaten on or down (Eph. 5:29). They are to be cherished, guarded and loved as a precious life partner (1 Pet. 3:7). The world Jesus lived in did not honor marriage or women but Jesus did and those who follow Jesus certainly continue to do so.
Strangers are to be cared for not hated or killed (Mat. 25:35). Those who believe differently are not to be despised, tortured or forced to change their ways.
Some people believe animals are more sacred than humans. Jesus did not. Some religions sanction the torture, mutilation and even killing of spouses that disappoint. Jesus did not.
Some religions give rise to extreme violence among those who claim to follow. Christianity does not create violent followers (1 Pet. 3:21). Paul said, the fruit of Christians is a life that shows love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, goodness and self control (Gal. 5:22-23). In contrast, the fruit of the world is sexual sin, hatred, fighting, exclusion of others, envy, murder, drunken-ness and wicked behaviors (Gal. 5:19-21).
Inspect the fruit of your life and decide what kind of tree you are. Jesus said to determine the kind of tree by examining it's fruit.
- Tim Orbison