Brood of Snakes

Luke 3

7 When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 9 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”

I wonder what John the Baptist would have to say were he to appear in an average church in America today? I mean, our churches are filled with people who put in an appearance on Sunday, then live disconnected lives Monday through Saturday. There are plenty of folks who almost have the attitude that they are doing God a favor by showing up in church. Just because we go to church (even if we go every Sunday), that doesn’t mean we are in a right position before God. Jesus says we will be known by our fruit (our actions). When we act like Jesus in our daily lives, we are in a good position. Otherwise, could John possibly call us a brood of snakes? Hmmmm...