The Exchanged Life
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing
” (John 15:5).
Often the most simple and plain scriptures are the ones we overlook. What does the branch do? Does it plan, perform, or push? Does it strive, labor, or work? What does the scripture say? Jesus is our source of abundant life and enduring sustenance. We are the branches; vitally connected to the True Vine; receiving life and growth from Him.
But what do we often do, dear Christian? We attend plant growth workshops in hopes of improving our fruit production. We form accountability groups with other branches in order to enhance our growth. And we fail to understand this simple Biblical truth: “Without me you can do nothing.”
But you protest. “I must do, I must work, and I must labor. I must remember I can do all things!” Yes, we can do all things, but it is through Christ that we do them. We will yield fruit, more fruit, even much fruit but it only comes through the True Vine and by the workmanship of the Heavenly Husbandman.
By faith and by full attention on Christ, abide in the True Vine. Soak up the Son and bear fruit. Trust the loving care of the divine Vinedresser to prune and purge your life in order to bring forth fruit. This is the life of rest, the life of faith, the life of selflessness. This is the Christ directed life. Turn fully to Christ.
