Read John 15:1-8.
“How do I know if I’m doing a good job following Christ?”
That is a question that I have put to myself often. You probably have done that as well. If we look to Scripture, Jesus tells us that we should be producing spiritual fruit. There is no debate about the importance of spiritual fruit in the Christian life.
But what does that fruit look like? There is the internal fruit that the Holy Spirit produces in us (Gal. 5:22-23). As we live a life centered in Christ, there will be fruit that planted, watered, and harvested as others are drawn to Christ. Then, those who commit to Christ are taught the things that Jesus commanded.
How do we bear that fruit for Christ? The answer is to remain in Him. That word in the original language means “to stay, to stand fast, and to stay where you are.” We bear fruit when we are connected to the vine. The vine is the lifeline for the branches. Without the vine, the branches won’t get what they need to remain healthy and produce fruit. It is the same way with us as believers. As we pray, engage with God’s word, worship, and fellowship with other believers, our lives will become more aligned with His will. We will produce fruit. Are you continuing in those disciplines in order to remain in Jesus? What do you need to do right now to align your priorities with those of Jesus and produce fruit?
Mark Riser - Apologist 