(I recommend grabbing a Bible before you begin)
What is the focal point of your life? What drives you? What is your passion, your substance, your reason? What is your purpose? For many of us – especially Christians – we have made our jobs, the pursuit of money, providing for our needs, fulfilling religious “duty,” and a wide array of earthly fluff the focus and purpose of our daily lives. Jesus said “I am the true vine… apart from Me you can do nothing.” If Jesus is the “true” vine, then obviously there are “false” vines, as well. Is Jesus the focus of your life? The Word of God is the standard of our Christian living. However, listening to Christian leaders, watching the lives of the men and women in our churches, even a simply glance of the latest Facebook status,’ are showing me that this is no longer the case. Worldly influences and desires are coloring the way Christians view their lives – both physically and spiritually. In order for God to have the necessary access in our lives to make any real change, our life must first be rooted in Jesus.
It is God’s desire for us that we “bear much fruit,” that we be as productive in this life as possible. God may require us to remove some things from our lives (TV, movies, and other distractions), in order that we may be of an even greater value to His Kingdom, and the world around us. Anything that takes away from your time with God and His Word is on the chopping-block. Remember, it is your heart that is the issue – not the Magic Picture Box. It is God’s desire that we grow as much as possible, and anything that gets in the way He will prune away. He is after your own good, so anything that He asks of you to do should be done with the attitude, “thank you for making me better, Lord” (see Romans 8:28; 1Corinthians 2:9). Notice, however, that if you are unwilling to grow, unwilling to make the changes God asks of you, God will remove you. If you are unwilling to be a blessing, you never will be.
How does God make these requests of us? How do we know what it is He is calling us to do? God’s Word is His tool for pruning back our lives (see Hebrews 4:12). Jesus tells us, “you are cleansed and pruned already, because of the word which I have given you [the teachings I have discussed with you]” (v. 3, Amplified). The teachings of Jesus, the Word of God, is how we are cleansed and pruned to be more fruitful in our physical and spiritual lives. Sickness, disease, calamity, poverty – these are not God’s tools for pruning away the junk in our lives. They are the result of sin, the fallen nature of the world around us, the thievery of Satan (see John 10:10). I have heard too many Christians praying, “Lord, we don’t know why You do the things You do... It’s hard for us to understand Your ways… We do not know Your Will…” All spoken with the attitude of, “God is doing this.” Stop blaming God for the bad things that happen in life! God is not the author of calamity. Now, there are times when God allows some things to continue longer than we may like, but, again, for the benefit of our growth (see James 1:2-3). He is not the author, but as we saw in Romans 8:28, He will turn it for our good.
Seven times Jesus tells us to abide in Him as the vine. You can do nothing apart from Him. We do not even have license to pray without Him. What is wonderful about Jesus, is that He promises “much fruit.” Abundance is found in being a disciple of Jesus! In Him you can do everything (see Philippians 4:13). That is the hope Jesus gives to His disciples. However, be aware of motive. If the only reason we are seeking Jesus is for the “stuff,” then we will receive nothing (see James 4:3). Jesus words here are an encouragement to His disciples – to all those who treasure His Word in their hearts. He takes it to a level many Christians never dare to dream: “ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you.” Whatever you ask. That is not greed; it is growth (see Psalm 37:4). If God’s Word is truly abiding in you, how can you make an unholy request? “If it’s God’s Will” is not going to be an issue; you will already know it! Jesus tells us that God is glorified through this. Our discipleship is proven through our fruit, through the fullness of our growth – spiritually, physically, financially – in everything. God is a big God! Jesus produces big results! Jesus promised us that we would do even greater things than He did if we continued in His word (see John 14:12). So why aren’t we?
Jesus commands us to abide in His love. We do this by following His commandments. The more we walk in His ways, obeying His voice, the greater His love will grow inside us. We are to keep Jesus’ commands to the extent that He kept the Father’s – which led Jesus to the cross. We must be willing to do what is uncomfortable, unpleasant, even painful. We all hear that many times in church. However, one thing I have experienced to be over-looked is Jesus promise after that: “so that My joy may be in you, and your joy may be made full.” Our joy will be made full, not if we suffer, but if we are willing to follow His voice through whatever He tells us, regardless of what anyone around us may think. Jesus is trying to get you to the next level with God. He even says that we are called His friends! How often do you hear that in church?
“Greater love has no one than this: that one lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus laid down His life for us, because we are regarded as His friends. Those of us who follow His teachings, obey His word and do what He says are His friends. I am not disregarding any other role a man or woman of God may have towards Him. I am emphasizing an aspect of our life that gets too often over-looked. If you obey God, you are Jesus friend. Reread verse 15. Everything Jesus has said up to this point He heard from the mouth of God. It is God who desires that our lives be as productive and abundant as possible. It is God who desires to make our joy complete. It is God who desires to remove the title “slave” off of His people. Jesus said we are no longer slaves, but sons –and friends. Jesus chose us to bear much fruit; He desires that our fruit will remain, “so that whatever you ask of the Father in [Jesus’] name He may give to you.”
Jesus is trying to bless His friends. Think about that.
No comments:
Post a Comment