ELEVATE - Christ’s Church Leadership Blog

As we have been studying the Fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians chapter 5, I have found it encouraging to simultaneously study Jesus’ lesson on the vine and the branches in John chapter 15. As we are learning what fruit God wants our life to bear, Jesus’ words remind us of the simple way we can bear “much fruit.”

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

Jesus shares this simple, yet critical message with his disciples on his way to the garden to pray one last time. He has mere minutes left before he is turned over to the authorities, and on their way to pray, he passes a vineyard and uses this moment to inspire his disciples to remain close to him.

As the Master is teaching this lesson, he reminds them that it won’t be easy. That sometimes the vinedresser must prune the vine so that “it will be even more fruitful.” I don’t think anyone enjoys the pain of pruning… especially in the moment. In the moment, we don’t see the harvest, we just feel the pain. It’s hard to accept pruning when we don’t understand the unseen results.

Paul gives us a bit of encouragement in Philippians. His advice to all growing Christians who are confronted by the Vinedresser’s shears could be summarized in three words: REJOICE, RELINQUISH, and REST.

Philippians 3:8 teaches us that instead of resisting, we can relinquish control to Him. Sometimes the harder we hold onto what God wants us to let go of, the more pruning comes our way.

Are you like me? Do you try to hold on with all your might? Why do we do that when we know God has a better plan for us?

Philippians 4:4 reminds us that instead of complaining or criticizing, we can rejoice in His plan. I don’t know about you, but this may be the hardest of the three for me. It’s so much easier to complain than rejoice.

And lastly, Philippians 4:11-13 says that instead or worrying and living in anxiety, we can rest in His power and love.

God wants us to bear fruit in our lives and not just a little, but “much fruit.” In order to be the vines God has in store for us to be, it will more than likely require a little pruning. In those moments, be encouraged by Paul’s words, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

How will you bear more fruit? Share your comments here.  

Serving Him by Serving His People,
-Jason Cullum, Lead Pastor
Christ’s Church | www.CContheWeb.com

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