Our Daily Bread: Serving TogetherSample

Working with God

If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. -John 15:5

A superintendent stopped the opening session of the Sunday school because no one was paying attention. The children were squirming in their seats, and it was evident the teachers were simply going through the motions.

With concern, he reprimanded their halfhearted attitude. “We have a high purpose to fulfill. Whose Sunday school is this anyway?”

After a moment of silence, a little girl raised her hand. Remembering something her mother had said, the child replied confidently, “This is Jesus’ Sunday school.” Her brief but pointed reply struck home. It made all the teachers recognize anew their dependence upon the Savior in the performance of their tasks.

Speaking to believers in John 15, the Lord Jesus reminds us that we are individual branches of the True Vine, and can only be fully used and abundantly fruitful as we are nourished by Him.

With the power of Christ flowing through us, we can accomplish many mighty things for His glory. But the Savior warns that we will be spiritually barren if we forget or neglect the source of our power. He told His disciples, “Apart from me you can do nothing.”

Too often as Christian workers, we lay out our own plans and then ask God to bless them. The result is frustration and fruitlessness. Let us always remember that if we are God’s faithful colaborers, we must rely upon His promised power to make us fully productive.

Xochitl Dixon

What does it mean to you to know that you are a branch of the True Vine? How can you demonstrate God’s love to other followers of Jesus?

Father, thank You for providing all I need as You continue to accomplish great things in me. Help me to love others just like You love me. Amen.