You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last… - John 15:16
Fruit is notorious for going bad over time. My refrigerator can testify to that. I can't tell you how many times I've opened my fruit drawer only to find a shriveled tangerine or an apple with a mushy brown spot. The spoilage is real. And, the most frustrating fruit saga, which I can’t seem to beat, is my incessant habit of purchasing raspberries, then saving them for a special treat. Inevitably, by the time I decide it’s special treat time, the raspberries are stuck together in a moldy white fuzz and have to be thrown away.
Fortunately, not all fruit goes bad, however. The Bible tells us the fruit we bear as followers of Jesus is lasting. It doesn’t spoil, shrivel or diminish with time. We have been grafted into the living vine of Christ, growing and thriving in His love and empowered by Him in all we do. The fruit we bear stands the test of time and lasts!
Imagine the kind words you spoke to that cashier yesterday now endlessly reverberating throughout heaven. Or the patience you demonstrated during rush-hour traffic enshrined for all eternity. Perhaps it was giving up your seat for someone else on the bus or encouraging your friend through a tough time. If we want to do something meaningful and lasting with our lives, beyond worldly success or achievements, bearing spiritual fruit will leave an enduring legacy that never diminishes.
CLOSING PRAYER
Father in heaven, thank you for grafting me into Your fruit-bearing vine. Help me to abide in you fully and produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control daily as I look to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.