Show Yourself

"If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples"- John 15:7-8 (NIV).

This made me think of the passing of a dear saint. Her friend’s glowing description was fruit she was still bearing. Wouldn't we all like to hear those same accolades one day? Many times, people think of "fruit" as things we purposely go and do, but it's more than serving food to the shut-ins and money dropped in the bell-ringers' coffer in front of the local store. Fruit is produced throughout every day living: our attitudes, our words, our actions, our motives...how we are perceived by those God has placed around us. The blessings of God are evident in the lives of Jesus' disciples and people want to be around them. They recognize His disciples and want what the fruit bearer has...a deeper relationship with God. Our lives should be magnetic, attracting people to Jesus. A recluse cannot attain this. We have to be "in" the world, like Jesus was, yet "separated" in the way we live our lives. Jesus didn't say we would just bear fruit, He said we would bear "much" fruit. Our fruit glorifies God, so remain in the vine (Jesus) and let His Word enable and enrich the branch (you) (John 15:5). Show yourself to be Jesus' disciple.