Ryan Wilhite

“Faith In Fruit”

Have you ever had to deal with others causing problems in your life, threatening you, physical and emotional abuse, making up lies, gossiping and slandering? 

No matter what you do in life, you’ll eventually run into these issues. Hurt people, hurt people. It’s important not to get revenge, always pray for them.

God knows our hearts. Maybe it’s a neighbor, stranger or someone close to you causing issues. That’s a tough one and so important to ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in those situations. 

Usually those people are fueled by their flesh, greed, envy, selfishness or other issues. There is still hope for them. I know God can change anyone’s heart.

My grandpa used to tell me to ignore them and continue to do business in ways that honor Him and helping others. Always do the right thing and don’t be like them. 

He said crooked people may think they’re getting ahead or away with it in the moment, but it will always catch up to them in the end. What’s done in the dark will always be brought to light. 

God’s word even tells us that. As farmers we know the importance of staying alert and having discernment when taking care of our operations or business. 

In Matthew 7:15-17, Jesus warns us about wolves in sheep’s clothing, those who may seem harmless but have harmful intentions. 

This warning reminds us to be cautious, as not everything that appears to be good is truly from God. 

Sometimes even those who sit in a church pew every Sunday or seem very nice on the outside, can try to cause problems in our lives. 

They are not a reflection of Christ, it’s a heart problem and we need to pray for those who persecute us.

I’ve dealt with one of those most recently and several times in the past. It can definitely cause some internal anger in the moment. Surrender and ask God to help you be the better example and always show love. 

It’s important that we forgive and don’t hold anger toward them, but sometimes it’s best to keep your distance. God will always guide us in the right direction and set boundaries if we allow Him. 

He has refined me a lot in this area over the years and will continue to until He calls me home. 

Matthew 7:18-20 says “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” 

In our lives, these deceptive influences can show up as misleading ideas, gossip, slander, manipulation, untrustworthy relationships with crooked intentions or well meaning advice that doesn’t align with Scripture.

God’s wisdom is our most valuable tool in spotting these wolves. James 1:5 reminds us, if we lack wisdom, we should ask God who gives generously. 

This encourages us to seek His guidance, trusting that He will help us find truth in a confusing world. 

It’s important to examine the outcomes of the teachings and influences we encounter. Are they producing good fruit like love, joy, peace and faithfulness? 

Staying grounded in God’s word is crucial. The more we read and reflect on Scripture, the better we can discern what is true.

When we spend time in prayer, we invite the Holy Spirit to guide us and protect us from danger. 

Always pray for discernment and wisdom, asking God to help us recognize any false influences that may lead us astray. 

Learn to hear His voice clearly, guiding us toward truth and away from harm. When you’re following God and He’s working through you, you will have resistance from the enemy at times. 

With guidance from the Holy Spirit, we can confidently face life’s challenges, standing firm in our faith and becoming lights of truth in a world full of confusion and chaos. 

The Bible tells us that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. I’ve found this to hold true in my own life, every single time. 

Always strive to have a heart that seeks God above all, remaining alert to the wolves that may cross our path. 

Ask God to help you and carry this wisdom into our daily lives whether it’s on the farm, at work, at home or in our communities. 

In a world full of distractions and deception, staying rooted in God’s Word and guided by His Spirit will keep us on the right path. 

Never grow weary of doing good, trusting that in due season, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Always walk in faith, stay alert and let the fruit of our lives be a testimony of God’s grace at work within us!