Forever Fruitful In Christনমুনা

Chosen for Change

I know, I know. We are Your chosen people. But, once in a while, can’t You choose someone else? — Tevye to God in Fiddler on the Roof

Being chosen is a pretty cool thing. But it’s no excuse for getting puffed up with pride, particularly as Christians. It’s a short distance between realizing that we’re branches in Jesus’ vine and looking down on others because they might not be. So as Jesus continued His teaching about the vine and the branches, He gave the disciples a little attitude check:

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” (John 15:16)

Remaining in Christ gives us the gift of bearing fruit—joy, peace, patience, and sacrificial love. It also comes with responsibility.

Jesus chose you for a reason, and He appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. We were set aside, and we were sent forth! Christ uses us as conduits of His love to reach others with His grace. So it’s not okay for us to say, “You know what? I’m just going to abide in Jesus! I don’t need anybody else and nobody else needs me.” We abide in Christ in the context of community.

Likewise, it’s not okay for the Church to say, “We’re just going to abide in Christ together.” NO, we’re commissioned to bear fruit that makes a difference in our communities and among people who don’t yet know Jesus. Yes, we’re connected to the Vine, but Jesus wants us to go and share His Life with the world. As we love others on the mission that He’s given us, we’ll see people coming to know Christ as a result of Him living His life through us. And that is fruit that will last forever!

Dearest Jesus, thank you for choosing me to bear fruit that will last. Reveal any sense of pride and arrogance that I’ve let creep in. I humbly offer myself before You as a tool to be used in Your hands to reach this world as You see fit. To Your name be the glory! Amen.

Reflection:

1. What false vines have you looked to for fulfillment in life?

2. How does the Christian life bring glory to God?

3. How is Christ using you to bear fruit that lasts?

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