Have you ever stopped to consider what your actions say about you? Every choice you make, every word you speak, and every habit you build reflects what’s truly in your heart. Just like a tree produces fruit based on the seed that was planted, your life and business reveal the values you’ve rooted yourself in.
In 3 John 1:11 (NIV), we are given a direct challenge:
"Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God."
This verse calls us to evaluate ourselves—are we imitating what is good, or are we compromising by blending in with the world? Let’s break this down and apply it to both our personal growth and the way we conduct business.
It’s easy to say we follow God, but our lives tell the real story. If we are walking closely with Him, our actions will naturally reflect His character—kindness, integrity, patience, and righteousness. On the other hand, if our lives are producing bitterness, dishonesty, or selfishness, we must ask ourselves: What seeds have we planted?
Take a hard look at your recent decisions. Do they reflect a life that is growing in godliness, or do they expose areas where you’ve drifted? The good news is that God doesn’t expect perfection, but He does expect progress. The key is consistency—spending time in His presence, allowing His Word to shape your mind, and making small, intentional choices that reflect His goodness daily.
In business, it’s tempting to take shortcuts. Maybe it’s bending the truth in marketing, cutting ethical corners to increase profits, or ignoring red flags in partnerships just to keep things moving. The world might applaud these tactics as “smart business,” but God calls it what it is—evil.
If your business is built on compromise, it won’t have a foundation that can withstand trials. The only way to create a truly successful, lasting business is through integrity. When you align your business with God’s principles, not only will you experience His favor, but your influence will shine as a light to others.
Just as an apple tree doesn’t bear fruit overnight, neither does spiritual growth or business success. Many people wait for a "big moment"—a major breakthrough, an instant transformation—but the truth is, growth happens in the small, unseen moments. The way you show up daily in prayer, in your work, and in your relationships will determine your long-term impact.
Do you have a regular rhythm of seeking God? Are you applying biblical wisdom to your decisions? If not, don’t expect your life to bear fruit overnight. It’s time to stop waiting and start planting seeds of consistency.
John’s warning in this verse is clear—if we imitate evil, we distance ourselves from truly knowing God. The people we spend time with influence us far more than we realize. If your inner circle is filled with people who compromise, gossip, or prioritize money over morals, it won’t be long before you start doing the same.
Ask yourself: Are the people around me pushing me toward God or pulling me away? Surround yourself with mentors, business partners, and friends who challenge you to live with integrity, faith, and wisdom.
At the end of the day, your goal should not just be success—it should be Kingdom impact. A truly successful life and business are measured not by profit or popularity but by faithfulness.
The challenge today is simple but bold: Take inventory of your life and business. If there’s an area where you’ve been imitating the world instead of God, it’s time to shift. Choose integrity. Choose consistency. Choose to bear good fruit.
Don’t just read this and move on—take action.
Your life is producing something. Make sure it’s good fruit.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of a new day. As I step into today, I ask for Your wisdom to guide my thoughts, my words, and my actions. Help me to imitate what is good and to reject anything that leads me away from You.
Lord, I want my life and my work to bear good fruit. Shape my heart so that everything I do reflects Your love, truth, and integrity. If there are any areas where I have compromised or strayed, reveal them to me, and give me the strength to realign with Your will.
In my business, my leadership, and my relationships, help me to lead with honesty, generosity, and faith. May my success not be measured by the world’s standards but by my faithfulness to You. Surround me with godly people who challenge and encourage me to walk in righteousness.
Give me the discipline to pursue You daily—not just in big moments, but in the small, unseen choices that shape my life. Let my actions today bring glory to Your name and point others toward You.
I surrender this day, my work, and my influence into Your hands. Use me for Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.