Yield to the Word of God, Produce More Fruit

"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit." (John 15:1-2 NKJ)

In twenty-first century Christianity much is taught about blessings and material prosperity. It is true that both spiritual and material blessings are taught in Scripture, but such teachings can easily be taken out of context and misinterpreted, as well as misapplied.

Material blessings and prosperity are popular subjects because they appeal to the flesh and fleshly lusts. Yet, the serious disciple of Jesus is more concerned with the personal fruit produced for Christ, rather than the personal blessings received from Christ.

While it is true that I am "Christ's, Abraham's seed, and heir according to the promise" (Galatians 3:29 NKJ), receiving great material blessings is not my focus. Instead, as his disciple, Christ calls me to follow his example. Paul, the great Apostle, gave us the Lord's example in his Epistle to the Philippians (chapter 2:5-8).

Christ adjusted his spirit and attitude (his way of thinking). He gave up his rights and position. He refused to build himself a reputation. He accepted the position of a slave. He became like those he came to serve. He identified with them. He personally related to them. He humbled himself. He became obedient. He submitted to death, even to a criminal's shame and death.

And this same Jesus is my vine. He is the source of everything good in me. My life is not about me and my comfort and my happiness and my blessings. Rather, my life is about how much fruit I can produce for Christ and his Kingdom.

And the Father of Jesus is the gardener of my life. It is he that sees my fruit production. It is he that judges the quality of my fruit. It is the Father who prunes me so that I can produce even more fruit for his Kingdom. Herein is the crux of this whole issue: will I submit to his pruning?

The non-fruit-bearing branch is removed from the vine. I  certainly do not want to be removed from the vine. But I struggle with submitting myself to getting pruned. How does God do his pruning, anyway? By his Spirit and his Word (Hebrews 4:12 NKJ). But, remembering our Lord's attitude, I am encouraged to come boldly to his throne (Hebrews 4:15-16 NKJ). And for his pruning, I need his grace more than ever.

Dear Father, thank you for including me in our Lord's branch system. Humbly I ask you to prune me according to your will and make me more fruitful. I ask this in the name of Jesus, the Lord. AMEN

Submit to the Father's pruning today,