A Fresh Look at the Fruit of the Vine

⁵ 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. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. ⁷ If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will  ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. ⁸ By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. John 15:5-8

Most of my life, I have understood the fruit of the vine to be the good works we were created to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). Recently, someone suggested that it is the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). I am sure that both are true, as well as the interpretation I most recently heard.

Before I go there, I would like to recognize that an “either/or” perspective on Scripture limits our understanding. It also has a way of dividing the Body of Christ. I cannot tell you how many times a “both/and” approach has precipitated the Holy Spirit’s revelation and encouragement.

Now, let me direct your attention to the passage above. Read it carefully – particularly verses five and seven. Branches that bear fruit are those that abide in Christ. Those branches that thus abide, ask what they desire, and it is done for them. The fruit of the vine are the answers to our prayers.

Furthermore, we now understand that the measure of our abiding in Christ is answered prayer; and the fruit we bear are the answers to prayer that glorify the Father (v. 8). This leads us to two very important revelations.

Workplace Ministry Tip #38 – Choose Your Path to Success Carefully

Getting ahead in business requires more than working hard. One must work harder than the persons ahead of them; for those persons, being ahead, have both distance and resources as their advantage. This is the character of a carnal system.

Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?” And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” Matthew 7:21-23

In the same way, many Christians work hard assuming hard work will automatically earn God’s blessing in their business or profession. As good as it sounds, this is the way of the world. The followers of Jesus Christ must remember that whatever is not from faith is sin (Romans 14:23). God does not reward sin. He rewards the obedient work of faith.

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the rhema (i.e., spoken word) of God (Romans 10:17). Before working hard to get ahead, be sure you know that you have God’s will for your work. BTW: It is not God’s will for you to neglect your intimacy with Him, your family and the body of Christ.

Workplace Ministry Tip:
As you would any strategic meeting, set aside time to meet with God; that you might come to understand the plan He has for you. Reckon the truth concerning success in the kingdom of God: God rewards the obedient work of faith. Work hard at the work He has willed for your life.

Contact me, at rob@inlightconsulting.com, if I can be of assistance.

Humbly yours and His forever,