Fruitful or Withered?

Over the years I’ve tried my hand at gardening.  I’ve tried everything people have recommended to be successful . . . watering, fertilizing, pruning, talking to the plants, sunshine, shade . . . all to no avail.  Needless to say, I’m not a very good gardener.  But, I know someone who is the perfect gardener . . . Jesus!

In John 15:5-6 Jesus says (red letter), “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.  If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.”

The vine (Christ) is the source of life for the branches (Christians), and the branches must abide in the vine to live and bear fruit.  It’s simple – apart from Jesus we can do nothing.  A branch that is truly connected to the vine is secure and will never be removed.  But a vine that appears to be connected – a vine that only has a superficial connection – will be removed.

The superficial vines appear to have a real connection – they attend church, quote scriptures, and go through the religious motions, but they do not have a relationship with the vine. 

So, I ask you the question . . . . are you Fruitful (bearing fruit), or are you withered?  Maybe you need a little pruning?

When a gardener sees that a plant is not growing or budding, they begin a pruning process, cutting away the withered leaves and branches. 

Once the withered pieces are removed, the plant can now flourish and bear new leaves and branches. Verse 2 says, ‘he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.”  This is the same process Jesus does in our lives.  When we become stagnant in our ministries, our prayer life, our study of the Bible, etc. the Lord will begin to cut away the excess.

In the pruning process, withered branches are cut off.   The only good purpose for withered branches is a fire (verse 6).  They are good for nothing else.

In order to flourish (bear fruit), we must remain in Christ, and he will remain in us.  Remaining in Christ means being connected to Him. Doing those things which bring Him glory.  Verse 8, “When you produce much fruit, you are my disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.”

How do you know if you are fruitful or withered?

Check yourself against the characteristics of Christ.  It is impossible to remain in the vine, and not show His characteristics – love, humility, compassion, obedience, merciful, patient, temperate, kind, gentle, forgiving, and faithful to name a few. 

If you are withering, let Jesus complete the pruning process, you’ll bear much more fruit when He’s done!

 Missionary Margaret Slaughter