John 15:2
Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
In verse 1 the Lord Jesus points out a remarkable truth: God takes personal interest in the performance of every branch on the Vine (Christ).
Remember that these branches represent individual believers. God is continually monitoring our productivity. It’s not delegated to some angel or minister. God is personally constantly watching us-not from a distance-but closely.
Now, our Heavenly Father is not impressed by how “green” the branches are. He is not impressed by our looks, popularity or reputation. In fact, His interest is not in our comfort, religiosity or knowledge. His only focus is on our fruitfulness.
Why? Because that is the purpose of a fruit tree. Fruit trees are not designed for decor. As every farmer knows, orchards don’t exist for display. All the care, cultivation, irrigation and so forth is done with one goal in mind-the production of fruit. The goal is not to make the plants look or feel good.
So it is for every believer. We’re not our own. We exist to produce fruit for our heavenly “Farmer”. That’s why the Bible says what seems to be harsh-that every unfruitful branch is taken away and every fruitful branch is pruned so that it can bear more fruit. It goes to show that God is extremely serious about our fruitfulness.
Dear saint, how fruitful are you for the kingdom of God? What contribution are you making in the Father’s vineyard? How productive are you spiritually? Are you adding value spiritually? Are you making a difference in the body of Christ? I’m not asking after your contribution in the world.
It’s quite possible for you and I to impress the world but disappoint God. It’s quite possible for us to gain recognition on earth but none in heaven. It’s quite possible for us to win all sorts of accolades on earth, but zilch in eternity! Let us examine ourselves afresh today. Let us begin to produce fruit worthy of heavenly approval. At the end of the day, that’s what matters. We‘ve only one life to live. It’ll soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Pastor Josh