Fruit, fruit, and only fruit does the Lord seek from every living tree which is called a man. Good fruit is a God-loving heart, and evil fruit is a self-loving heart. Everything else that a man possesses and enjoys - position, authority, honor, wealth, money and knowledge - are but the leaves on the tree. "Therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire." (Mt. 3:10) Even the non-Christian peoples valued good deeds more than fine words. How much more must it be the rule for the followers of Christ. 

At a council of the Athenians, at which were present representatives of the Spartans, a certain elderly man moved from bench to bench, seeking a place to sit. The Athenians mocked him and did not relinquish a seat to him. When the old man approached the Spartans, everyone rose to their feet and offered him a seat. Upon seeing this, the Athenians praised the Spartans in eloquent terms. To this the Spartans replied: "The Athenians know what is good, but they do not do good." Whoever performs good deeds resembles a tree that brings forth good fruit for its householder. The source of goodness in man is a good, God-loving heart.

The Prologue of Ohrid, Vol. I
5 January, Reflection