Go and bear fruits
“You did not choose me, but I chose and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other” (NIV) John 15:16-17
Reading this text brings to mind the process through which we get employed in an organization. First and foremost, one writes an application. Among so many application letters, you can describe yourself as fortunate when you are called for interview and then an appointment letter is handed over to you. You are then given your roles in the organization through your appointment letter that will entitle you your salary if and only if you perform those roles.
We are fortunate to be chosen by Christ. Out of the many, He chose you and I to be part of His kingdom. After choosing us, He has given us the task of bearing fruit that lasts, fruit of love. Many of us are just in the kingdom of God and are “barren” and because we are “barren”, when we ask anything in His name, we never receive. It is pretty simple; we were chosen, appointed and given a task, if we do not accomplish the task, why must we be paid?
Just as in earthly organizations, when you underperform or do not perform at all, your appointment with the organization is terminated, in John 15:2, the Father cuts off every branch in the Son that bears no fruit. This year and every other year is not the year to allow ourselves to be cut off from the true Vine. We need His divine protection against this sinful world. Let us remain in the Vine (Christ) and keep bearing fruits that last-fruit of love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, Galatians 5:22).
Before we can bear fruit, we need to find the seed and sow it, care for it like a professional farmer would do. That is the only way we can be sure our seed will grow to bear fruit. Fortunately, we do not have to look far for the seed that will bear in us the fruit we need to bear. That seed is found everywhere-the word of God which is the Bible. We need to learn and meditate on the word and practice the word (Joshua 1:8) that brings us close to the Vine (Christ).
For this year, let’s develop minds that will bear everlasting fruit of love in Christ. God bless us all.