Productive Vs. Fruitful
Growing up, I used to hide to finish a book. If Dad found me, his question was:
“Why don’t you find something productive to do please?”
I would grudgingly put down my book, go outside and do some of the never ending chores the ranch produced.
As I got older, work ethic was not a problem; God has been working on my workaholic tendencies for years now, so when I opened up my Bible to John 15:5, the verse was familiar, but still hit home.
I am the vine, you are the branches, those who abide in me and I in them will bear much fruit for apart from me, you can do nothing.
Sometimes it frustrates me that I need to learn the same lessons over and over again! I like getting things done. I love the satisfaction of a list crossed off, knowing everything I set out to do is accomplished. But I am learning God has His own scale of importance when it comes to getting things done. It struck me today that my agenda and lists can be accomplished and crossed off, yet my day be eternally unfruitful.
Those who ABIDE in me and I in them will bear much fruit… Apart from me, you can do nothing.
This is true in different ways. The air we breathe is held by God, the strength to work is given by God, so even on a basic life level, I cannot accomplish anything on my own. But I believe it goes deeper than that.
I look at people like Joni Erickson Tada, amazed by a life grafted firmly in the vine that has borne more fruit than many lives that are physically whole. When we lay aside our agenda, and let Jesus guide and fill our day, suddenly, we have eternal power and purpose that can make our day not only productive, but also fruitful!
The other day I was coming home from LifeLabs after a bunch of blood tests. Generally I don’t feel so good after, and was planning to go straight home and rest, but as I passed a farmer’s market, the Holy Spirit said “stop”, so I shoulder checked and veered into the parking lot.
I soon knew why! Not only was local produce on a great sale, there was a lady next to the pears who had lost her voice and needed to be reminded that God loves her, has not abandoned her, and is very committed to restoring her. I asked if I could pray, and listened to the Holy Spirit for words from heaven she needed to hear. As always, He was bang on, and I got the biggest hug I have had in a long time and a kiss on the cheek to boot!
Again, I was reminded it all begins with abiding. Keeping in step with the Spirit. Carrying on constant communication with Jesus through the day. Even the mundane tasks can be fruitful when done in a spirit of worship and joy!
Did you begin the day with Jesus? How do you know when you are abiding in Him and fruitful, versus just productive?
