HOW CREDIBLE AM I ? / WHAT TREE AM I?

There are three kinds of people who are often related to the three kinds of trees we normally see growing. They are:

1. Male Papaya tree - The male papaya tree is one with lot of flowers in it, but no fruits. The people of this kind are those who boast a lot by speaking, but we cannot expect any good works or actions from them.

2. Mango tree - This tree has the flowers blossoming late January onwards and the fruits set in around March. They give fruits. Some people are of this kind.

3. Jackfruit tree – In this tree never blossoms. The fruit starts from the trunk. The tree in fact gives a lot of fruits. People who are of this kind never speak, but contribute a lot.

Ref.: Mark 11:27-33 - ²⁷They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him. ²⁸"By what authority are you doing these things?" they asked. "And who gave you authority to do this?" ²⁹Jesus replied, "I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. ³⁰John's baptism-was it from heaven, or of human origin? Tell me!" ³¹They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?' ³²But if we say, 'Of human origin' ..."(They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.) ³³So they answered Jesus, "We don't know." Jesus said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things."

Here we find the Pharisees questioning Jesus what authority He has. When there is consistency in our action, we will have credibility or authority to speak or preach. Jesus is one who preached what He practiced. He did whatever He said. No distinction between word and deed. Our preaching should go together with our life. That is the meaning of authority. Jesus too says in that sense He has authority to preach. That’s why He claims that He is a credible person.

Do we practice whatever advice we give other people? Am I a credible person in my life? What tree am I?