Quality Control is a system for verifying and maintaining a desired level of quality for a product. Companies accomplish this through careful planning, use of proper equipment, continued inspection, and a corrective plan of action. The roots of Total Quality Management can be traced back to the early 1920’s when statistical theory was first applied to product quality control. By the 1940’s, Japan further developed quality control resulting in prosperous manufacturers especially in the automobile industry in the years that followed.
“Beware of the false prophets, [teachers] who come to you dressed as sheep [appearing gentle and innocent], but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them [that is, by their contrived doctrine and self-focus]. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? – Matthew 7:15-16
The Bible refers to a different kind of quality control system. Jesus urges listeners of his Sermon on the Mount to become fruit inspectors. Instead of determining the quality of a specific fruit, Jesus wants individuals to discern, examine and observe other human beings. Afraid of counterfeit, fake and phony people deceiving honest souls, Jesus compares fruit to the content of someone’s character. Like a mentor steering his students in the right direction, Jesus reveals what to look for when encountering any religious teacher.
Even so, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the unhealthy tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore, by their fruit you will recognize them [as false prophets], Matthew 7:17-20.
In the passage above, Jesus provides guidelines to follow for fruit inspectors. The apostle Paul builds upon this concept in a letter to the church of Thessalonica. During a visit to Berea, Paul was impressed by a culture of fairness, not jumping to any conclusions. Paul references their example by encouraging others to test everything that you hear with the Bible to see if it’s true, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22. Quality fruit inspectors examine the facts, hold on to what is good and discard everything else. May this blueprint allow you to perfect your ability to become a skilled fruit inspector.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 