In John 15, Jesus tells us to go and produce fruit. I can do that. In fact, I’ve been preparing my whole life.
- I will work harder
- I will sell more
- I will get more followers
- I will grow bigger and be known
Then, I can be as Jesus described and “produce much,” and will make him proud. Not really. Those goals produce American fruit. Jesus defines fruit differently. Galatians 5 tells us that his fruit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.
- I will serve more
- I will give generously
- I will mind my own affairs
- I will forgive fully – myself and others
Now, there is only one way to maintain a life with those priorities. “Remain in me,” Jesus says. “Seek me, come to me “Apart from me, you can do nothing. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” John 15:7.