What is my life producing?

What about yours?

Our lives are producing something – whether bad or good. Our lives are producing something.

I have spent time evaluating the fruit my life produces based on how I am doing. That is, how do I feel about where I am and what is happening in my life. I want to feel good about myself and the “spiritual success” I am seeing in my life. That may sound good, it may seem right. BUT – the fruit of my life is not for my pleasure. What my life produces isn’t for my benefit. I MAY benefit from it, but that’s not the point, at least that’s what I’m learning.

In John 15:1-17, Jesus discusses the fruit of our lives in Him. Let’s focus on verses 5-8…

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown in the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my word remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Verse 8 jumps out at me. The fruit that my life produces isn’t about me, it’s about Him. It is worship to God. It is for His glory, not mine. I will benefit from the good fruit my life produces, no doubt. The point however, isn’t for me – it is for Him.

I believe that this distinction is key. It isn’t about how the fruit tastes on my lips, my question should be – how does the fruit taste to the one my life is meant to worship?

Photo Credit: Maja Petric (unsplash.com)