Luke 3:8-11
(And John the Baptizer said to them,) 8Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 9Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” 10And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” 11In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.”
Repentance involves the entire person: head, heart, and hands. The word in Greek, metanoia, means literally to "think differently afterward" and signifies a change of thinking that leads to a change of heart that leads ultimately to a change in behavior. It is not enough, John said to the multitudes who came to be baptized, to step into the water. Repentance is accompanied by a change in life--there must be fruit born of repentance and baptism.
It is interesting to note that in the Gospel According to Luke, when the people asked what this fruit looked like, all three of John's responses were economic in nature. Fruit worthy of repentance involved a person who had two coats sharing one with a person who had none (verse 11). For tax collectors, it was making sure not to overcharge people when collecting taxes (verse 13). And for soldiers, it was refusing to extort money through false accusations and being content with their pay (verse 14).
John's list wasn't comprehensive, but it was interesting nonetheless. If you and I are seeking to live as those who are repentant sinners--as those who wish to live for God--then we'll share with those in need, we'll be fair in our business dealings, and we'll be content with our pay.
My experience is that people who live this way--who are generous and giving, who seek to be honest and fair, and who are not focused on constantly yearning for more--are happier in life and usually more successful. Who do you admire more: people who are generous or people who are greedy? Who would you rather do business with: people who only look out for themselves or people who have your best interest at heart? Who would you rather have as a friend: people who are never content and slander others or people who are content with what they have and speak well of others?
Reed lives by John's list. A banker and a member of the church I serve, he's one of a thousand people I know like him. Reed carries his success with humility. He is genuinely interested in his clients and puts their needs before his own. And if he saw someone who needed a coat, he would give it without being asked. Reed isn't perfect, but to me he exhibits the economic fruit of repentance John called for.
Are you producing the fruits of repentance? Are you regularly giving help to those in need? Are you fair and honest in all your dealings? Do you speak well of others? And are you cultivating contentment with what you have?
Lord, help me to produce fruit in keeping with repentance. Help me to be generous, honest, and content with what I have. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Adam Hamilton, The Way--40 Days of Reflection
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