“Jesus reminds us that apart from Him, we can do nothing of lasting value.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – June 7, 2024
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5
In a world that glorifies productivity and efficiency, I often find myself striving to do more, achieve more, and be more. While there is value in being productive, as a Christian, I am called to a higher standard of fruitfulness—a concept deeply rooted in Jesus’ teachings. The Lord is reminding me that I tend to get the credit for productivity, while He always gets the glory for fruitfulness. He is the vine, I am the branch, as He is the fruit bearer through my life. When I slice an apple, I can count the seeds, but I am unable to count the number of apples that will be the fruit of one seed. Yes, the power of the Holy Spirit bearing fruit through an abiding life!
Productivity is often measured by the tangible outcomes we produce—the tasks completed, the goals achieved, and the projects accomplished. In our pursuit of productivity, we can become consumed by busyness, focusing on quantity rather than quality. We may find ourselves running on the treadmill of endless tasks, yet feeling unfulfilled and spiritually depleted.
Jesus invites us into a different way of living—a life characterized not by the quantity of our output but by the quality of our fruit. In John 15:5, He says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.”
Here, Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine and branches to illustrate the importance of abiding in Him. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit unless it remains connected to the vine, we cannot bear spiritual fruit unless we abide in Christ. Our fruitfulness is not a result of our own efforts but of our intimate relationship with Him.
So, what does it mean to bear spiritual fruit? Galatians 5:22-23 provides us with a clear picture: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Unlike the fruits of productivity, which are often external and temporary, the fruits of the Spirit are internal and eternal. Love, joy, peace, and the other attributes listed in Galatians are not produced through our striving but through the work of the Holy Spirit within us. They are the evidence of a life surrendered to God’s will and aligned with His purposes. In our fast-paced world, it can be tempting to prioritize productivity over abiding in Christ. We may neglect our spiritual health in favor of accomplishing more tasks or pursuing worldly success. However, Jesus reminds us that apart from Him, we can do nothing of lasting value.
Abiding in Christ requires intentionality and discipline. It means spending time in prayer, studying God’s Word, and cultivating a heart of worship. It involves surrendering our will to His and allowing His Spirit to work in and through us. When we prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all else, we position ourselves to bear fruit that glorifies God and blesses others.
Ultimately, our worth and identity are not determined by our productivity or achievements but by our relationship with God. As we abide in Christ and bear fruit according to His will, we experience the true abundance and fulfillment that He offers. Our success is not measured by the world’s standards but by our faithfulness to God’s calling and the impact of our lives for His kingdom.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to shift our focus from mere productivity to the true fruitfulness that comes from abiding in You. Teach me to prioritize my relationship with You above all else and to trust in Your work in and through me. May my life bear the fruit of Your Spirit, bringing glory to Your name. Amen.
Application
How does fruit bearing express itself in your life?
Related Reading
Jeremiah 17:7-8; Psalm 1:1-6; Luke 6:43-45; Colossians 1:10
Worship Resource
Gateway Worship feat. Anna Byrd: If We Don’t Have You
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