F R U I T F U L   L I V E S

John 15:4

How successful is a star player without his teammates and coaches?  How well could that player compete if he took on the opposing team by himself?  The answers are obvious and Jesus paints an even clearer picture of our dependence in today’s letter.

In John chapter 15 and verse 4 we read, “Abide in Me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”
What do you call a branch that’s separated from the vine?  Firewood!  It’s no good for bearing fruit if it’s been cut off from its source of life.

It’s the same with the players on a team.  No matter how productive the player has been, he cannot be fruitful if cut off from the team.  The star running back cannot succeed without his offensive linemen.  The outstanding volleyball hitter cannot score without an effective pass and set.  The greatest basketball player cannot compete if the scheme is one on five.

We can only be fruitful if we remain attached to our source.  For us as players, it’s the team and coaching staff that provides us the opportunity to be fruitful as players.  For each of us in life, it’s to stay attached to Jesus.  He’s the giver of real life.  Make this a very fruitful competition by staying firmly rooted in the life of your team.

Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 25:14-30
Romans 8:18-39
Psalms 60
Numbers 31-32