Read: John 15:4-9
When we make the decision to follow Christ, we abide in Him. When we abide in Christ, He abides in us. Jesus said to His disciples, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-5). Abiding in Christ gives us the security and stability, no matter what the hardships may be. David said, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Ps. 23:4).
Our God is holy and cannot tolerate sin. He prunes us in such a way that we would become fruitful for His kingdom. Pruning is painful to the plant, but ultimately a large quantity of fruit is obtained in the process. Unwanted branches that are of no use are removed. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10). We will have to pass through the refiner’s fire, before we are refined and made pure as gold. A clay pot can be useful only if it is exposed to fire in a brick kiln for several hours. When we have faced several tests of fire, “we must glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Rom. 5:3-5).
We are valuable to God. He wants us to bear much fruit wherever we are. If you have not abided in Christ, make that decision to abide in Him. A withered plant part cannot stay with the main plant and it will be cut off and thrown into fire (John 15:6). We have to make the decision to abide in Christ and be productive for His kingdom if we haven’t yet. When Jesus meets us face to face, will He say, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matt. 25:21)?
