To Be Productive, I Must Be Connected

In review of John 15:4-5 it tells me that “A branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. 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” (John 15:4-5 NLT).

Fruitful branches are cut back to promote growth. God must sometimes discipline me to strengthen my character and faith. Branches that don't bear fruit are cut off at the trunk not only because they are worthless but also because they often affect the rest of the tree. Those who don't bear fruit for God or who try to block the efforts of God's followers will be cut off from his life-giving power. Also Fruit is not limited to winning souls, answered prayer, joy and love are also fruit. Remaining in Christ means (1) believing he is God's son, (2) receiving him as Savior and Lord, (3) doing what God says, (4) continuing to believe the Good News, and (5) relating in love to the community of believers, Christ's body.

In the Bible, the vineyard is a picture of the church. It’s a metaphor describing how a church family helps you grow like fruit on a tree or grapes on a vine.

Fruitfulness in Scripture revolves around being productive. No one wants their life to end and feel like it was unproductive. I want my life to count. To be productive, I must be connected.

In God’s garden, in his vineyard, my life becomes productive when I am connected.

God has all kinds of fruit he wants me to bear during my lifetime. But my calling will not happen until I’m connected to God’s family, the church.

If I really want the life God created me to live, I need the power to live on, the people to live with, the principles to live by, the plan to live out, and the purpose to live for.

God created the church to meet all of those needs. I won’t find that outside of the church.

Sometimes getting connected means taking a step (or two) of faith and being uncomfortable at first. It’s not always the easiest thing to do. But it’s one of the most important things I can do with my life.

It’s time to plug in. It’s time to get connected. Take a step forward today!

In summary, a branch cannot produce if it's severed, likewise I cannot be fruitful unless I remain in Him. If I do, I'll produce, apart and I can't do anything. God must sometimes strengthen my character and faith. Fruit in my life also includes answered prayer, joy and love. For me to remain in Christ means that I believe he is the son of God, I receive him as Savior and Lord, do as he instructs me, continue to believe in the God news and relate in love to the community of believers. Fruitfulness revolves around me being productive and to do so means that I must be connected. My life becomes productive when I'm connected. God wants me to bear fruit in my lifetime. My calling will not happen until I'm connected to God's family. If I want the life God created me to live, I need the power to live on, people to live with, principles to live by, Plan to live out and the purpose to live for.  

Thank you father for the reminder to be connected with you and the church. I want my life to mean something and to fulfil what you created me to be. I ask for you help today in being productive and fruitful. I pray for your wisdom and guidance for my day, my leadership and my interaction with others. I also pray that you give wisdom to my doctor to help me find the cause of the swelling I’ve been experiencing. I pray these things through your Son Jesus name, amen.