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Being Fruitful

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”¹

A few years ago, the Associated Press released a study done by an agricultural school in Iowa. It reported that production of 100 bushels of corn from one acre of land, in addition to the many hours of the farmer’s labor, required 4,000,000 pounds of water, 6,800 pounds of oxygen, 5,200 pounds of carbon, 160 pounds of nitrogen, 125 pounds of potassium, 75 pounds of yellow sulphur, and other elements too numerous to list. In addition to these things, which no man can produce, rain and sunshine at the right time are critical. It was estimated that only 5 percent of the produce of a farm can be attributed to the efforts of man.²

Whether humanity gives the credit to God or not, it would be impossible to live without Him. And if we are honest, we’d have to admit that the same is true in producing spiritual fruit as well. Many times, it can be easy to fall into the temptation of thinking we can do it on our own, but just as a branch gains all its sustenance and strength from the vine, we too gain our sustenance in Christ.

When Jesus walked on earth, He modeled this truth as He lived in dependence upon the Father. He lived in constant communication and submission to God, as He ministered to those around Him. His strength and wisdom for every circumstance was found in God.

In the same way, our lives here on earth can produce much fruit when we remain in the Vine and allow His Spirit to live through us.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, teach me how to abide in Christ and live my life as He would… in total dependence on You. I recognize that apart from you, I can do nothing. You are the Giver of all things, and my source of strength and nourishment. Help my life produce good fruit that will honor You. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1. John 15:5 (NLT).

2. www.sermoncentral.com