The whole Bible study lesson was against me, and the leader even said this was the case. The reason? They asked the previous week if an atheist person could be a good person.

My answer? Absolutely.

Just because a person is atheist does not mean they do not have a moral code. They just have no basis or foundation or reason to live morally because it will all be futile after they die. But they can indeed be good, moral and wonderful people.

The leader disagreed. And when I read this verse, I think of that situation.

“For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit,  for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush.

Can a person who is not of God be a good person? Can a person who is pursued God be a bad person?

Again, the answer is yes. So what does this Scripture mean?

Jesus is warning the people against false teachers. Just as he has said previously, about the blind leading the blind, he says the same thing in a different way. We see this more clearly in Matthew:

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.  You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.

What he is calling them to do is look at the fruit of their lives? Do they love and compassion for the people? Are they following the heart of God or are they seeking honor for themselves? What are they teaching? How are they themselves living.

We need to apply the same truth today as there are many false prophets. Many leaders who say they pursue God and live in million dollar mansions and are always asking for money are a problem. Leaders who are in it for their own fame and for the praise of men are a problem. Men who do not teach the Word of God but teach what pleases the people are a problem.

God is cleaning house right now. May our eyes be open to see.