The things that occupy our time

The Bible is full of beautiful, encouraging, but also difficult and sometimes bizarre passages. Well, I am sure you all know that :)

One of the most important warnings in simple words was urged by the Master Himself when He addressed His followers about the vine and the branches. Jesus told them to stay connected to Him if they wanted to bear fruit, to be productive, and then He added: Apart from Me, you can do nothing (John 15:5).

I always thought that was such a radical and strong statement and kind of weird at the same time. Let's face it, there are millions of people who do all kinds of stuff without Him, every day. There are millions of people who labor in their own strength and purposely keep the Lord out of their daily business. What exactly does Jesus mean when He says 'apart from Me you can do nothing?'

Of course, I understand that if it wasn't for the breath of life He gives us, we would be dead. But still... 👉I personally believe Jesus' emphasis was not on the 'doing' of stuff, but on the fruit our labor produces. Does our work bring forth fruit? Are we putting energy in things that will be gone next year, or in relationships with everlasting value? 

Are we investing money in things that will be outdated or gone over time, or in programs that build the Kingdom? Are we working for earthly success, or to serve others? Quite some introspective questions to think about.

'Apart from Me, you can do nothing'. That is not a negative statement, it is a positive promise. It is everything we trust in and hope for! It seals our connectedness with and our dependency on God. It is a reminder that we live and move and have our being in Jesus Christ alone.

His words remind us, over and over again, that knowledge, education, status, or success are not important in the Kingdom, but the measure of fruit-bearing for the Kingdom of God... a matter of eternal value!