Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
I have heard the phrase, “fake it until you make it.” The problem with this is two fold: 1) if you fake it to make it, you will have to fake it the rest of your life to hold onto the place your acting has made room for, and 2) you actually can’t hold onto anything for long by faking it.
Jesus invites us to weigh what is before us and what is inside of us by the fruit produced.* It’s easy to call oneself a Christian because of the traditions and practices engaged in. Going to a building called “church” each week is a spiritual practice that does not ensure salvation. Reading the Bible each day is a spiritual practice that does not ensure salvation. Praying before each meal is a tradition that doesn’t ensure salvation.
Christ reminds us that He is the gate, and there is no other way to enter into life with Him for eternity. People may fake it, and they may fool some. They may even fool themselves, but they will not make it. The fruit of their lives will speak of their true nature.
The call of Jesus to us is to be honest. Be honest with yourself and with others. What fruit is in your life? What does that fruit say about you?
The fruit in my life is small. The fruit in my life is immature. The fruit in my life requires more nutrients and more sun and more water, but it’s good. It’s good because of Christ. I’m on the narrow road, but by grace alone. Not by faking it. By Christ I will make it.
Today, take a step.
Maybe today the one step God wants you to take is to lean on Christ rather than Christian tradition. Perhaps God is asking you to allow Him to examine the fruit of your life. Maybe God is inviting you to the narrow path that few take. Perhaps Christ beacons you today to come to Him.
Whatever the step, ask God to direct it. Take a moment to take that step. Invite Him to speak. He will.
Life is a long road. Walk it with Jesus. Take a step today… just one is fine.
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*Leon, Morris, The Gospel According to Matthew. Pillar New Testament Commentary (Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1992), 173–177, and Keener, C. S., Matthew (Vol. 1, Mt 7:15-20) (InterVarsity Press, 1997).