God at Work!

God at Work!

Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that continues to bear fruit, He [repeatedly] prunes, so that it will bear more fruit [even richer and finer fruit]. JOHN 15:2 AMP

On a personal note, I believe today's extract calls for careful review of my life, so that I can see myself as God sees me, and can make changes where necessary. There is a reference to a branch that is in Christ, yet is not bearing fruit. How can that happen? How can a branch be connected, taking the nourishment from the vine, and yet not be able to give anything back? For Christ to say this, it means it is a possibility and is also a call for all of us to examine our lives again, so that we are not disappointed on the day of judgment.

Fruitfulness should be the natural outflow from a life that is connected to the life-giving flow of grace from God. However, the place of personal choices come into play here. I could accept Him as Lord and Saviour, then not allow his Word room in me. I could attend fellowship and enjoy the Word and prayer, yet not allow the Word take root in me. People may see all the signs of growth in me, but the only opinion that counts is God's. So I get to make the choice of reception, response and returns. So, God takes away an unfruitful branch, which also means that the dangerous doctrine of 'eternal security' isn't so true after all; you have got to stay connected to be eternally secure.

For the branches that continues to bear fruit, there is a process of painful pruning. The word here is 'consistency'. There will be tough days ahead, but you cannot forget where you are and who you are connected to. Trials will come, winds will blow, but these would only serve to make you stronger, if you know who you are. If I will make impact for God in my generation, as it was said of David, then I cannot take my eyes off the most important part of my life: my connection to Christ.

I check my life again in the light of God's Word: am I rightly connected and fruitful? It is not about human applause or opinion, but the vital assurance in my heart that I belong to God and He is for me. He can work in and through me all that He desires, and I know my eternity is secured, simply because I am His own. That's all that matters, and that's all that secures eternal life. Nothing else will. His time of favour is here.