A Disciple Bears Fruit – Abide in the Vine

Former procrastinators, Jesus made clear a final characteristic of His disciples:  They bear fruit.

“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”  John 15:8

Fruit is the outcome or result of something. What is the important fruit Jesus wants?

Scripture tells us He wants transformed character within us. (Galatians 5:22-23) And He wants influence for Him through us in the lives of others.  (John 15:1-17, Romans 7:4)

He will produce this fruit as the result of our abiding in Him.  He states, “Apart from me you can do nothing.”

A broken off branch bears no fruit because there’s no life flow coming from the vine source.  We believer-branches are not the source of life.  We’re instruments, conduits through which His life flows.

Neil Anderson words it, “In Christ, I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of His life.”

Procrastination prevents godly fruit; diligence promotes it.  God produces fruit in and through us.  We have the privilege and responsibility to cling to the vine and cooperate with God’s work.  The more I say “yes” right away to God, the more fruit in my character and influence.

When we procrastinate, we disconnect a bit from the vine.  Over time this takes a tremendous toll, separating us as a branch more and more from our source of life.

I am His child; no one can snatch me out of His hand.  Once I’m saved, our Father-daughter relationship does not change even if I disobey.  But we can enjoy each other more, have sweeter fellowship, and a more attuned interaction when I obey.  You probably recognize that too.

When we obey right away, we maintain a closeness to the Lord because we are with Him, doing what He wants, learning His thoughts and ways.  We have a tight connection.  We and others benefit.  He is glorified.  When I refuse to act as He prompts, I demonstrate independence from Him. I’m not aligned with Him.

It can be something as “unspiritual” as starting dinner or getting dressed to leave on time.  When I resist His prompting, my heart pulls away from Him.  A pattern of resistance eats away at my fellowship with Him.  Character fruit in me is affected; my influence for Christ is affected. 

Consider John 15: 1-17. I learned from a conference speaker that in verse two “takes away” actually means “lifts up.”  Sometimes it’s necessary to prop up an unproductive branch.  Raise it out of the mud into the sunlight and air. Use cloth or tape to wrap the branch more tightly onto the vine.  Give it time to grab hold firmly.  See if it does.  I’m grateful for the men and women who have propped me up from time to time and helped me get a tighter grip on the vine. Thank you!

Let us be holy fruit bearers in Him.

How is Christ speaking to you about character or influence for Him?