“…every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 7:19-21
The email from Senator Scott stood out immediately. His request was simple enough, but puzzling as well. He announced that the deadline for applications to a U.S. Service Academy was approaching, and he wanted help in identifying qualified candidates! That was on the 19th. By the 21st, a different story broke nationwide. And so did my heart!
My 2 Sons graduated from the USMMA and wore the same Naval uniform. In 1988, the Naval Academy received almost 16,000 applications for only 1000 slots! When the application process was going on, there was no advertisement. If you didn’t know, you didn’t go! It was the same for all 5 Federal Academies. The field of applicants was massive and open positions, very few. Not today.
On the 21st, national news broke the story of yet ANOTHER cheating scandal at Annapolis! 18 Midshipmen have been dismissed and 82 more sanctioned because they broke the code of honesty and cheated on an exam. To say that the uniform is tarnished is an understatement. It seems a sign of the times!
My sons are spectacularly AWESOME. They are ring knockers…graduates from a system based upon excellence. But they don’t wear their rings. When I argued with them about being proud and wearing them, they let me know what I should have already known. It isn’t ABOUT pride! Their character shows up in their families, churches and jobs. In just that order. I am NOT BRAGGING because I don’t need to! Their lives speak for themselves.
I wear the uniform of a disciple of Jesus Christ who called me and put me into service for His Glory. His expectations are high. His commands are clear. His standard is a mirror for the USMMA Slogan, “Acta Non Verba… ‘Actions not Words’! And Jesus SAID as much! Lately, I have been noticing far too few applicants for ‘His Plan,’ and way too much cheating going on!
“By their fruit you will recognize them,” is not a description of how to tell if someone believes in Jesus Christ. It is a command to live up to! Disciples of Jesus DO WHAT HE SAYS! And that can get very rough sometimes. Especially when my own selfishness jumps to the head of the line and takes over the ship! Based upon today’s verse, Admiral Jesus has ZERO tolerance for cheaters of His system.
Am I His? Do I obey what He commands? Do I take responsibility for my actions, do what He says, love my spouse, family, Church and others, and represent the Savior in a positive light? Since it is an answer Jesus already KNOWS, I’d better get my life in ship shape… if it isn’t! Because I’m hearing some whistling and He’s coming up the gangplank!
How fruity are YOU?
