BE FRUITFUL

By: Dennis Harworth

Be fruitful.  This is the first command of Almighty God to mankind.  It is also the actual first words ever spoken to man in Genesis 1:28 after He created them.  The word fruitful in the Hebrew means “to bear fruit, (literal or figurative), cause to be fruitful, grow, increase.”  From the very beginning, it is God’s plan and purpose for us to be fruitful, grow, and increase.  It is also an invitation to live in fullness everyday the way God designed.  This true fulfillment is found by staying connected to God as the source of life and strength.  It is walking closely with Him that results in producing abundant fruit that would glorify Him.

Jesus shares how to do this during His last words to His disciples before He was crucified.  Jesus said, I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing (John 15:5).  The key word here is abide.  The Greek word for abide is meno and means to continue, live, stay, dwell, remain and obey.  By staying connected to the true Vine, you will flourish spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.  Being in a continuous, intimate union with Jesus will bring abundant increase and complete fulfillment in your life.

However, just as the branches cannot survive apart from the main vine, you can do nothing.  In other words, if you are separated from the life source, you cannot produce fruit, much less a satisfying life.  If you don’t abide in Jesus, you will be cast out as a branch and become withered and then thrown into the fire (John 15:6).  You have a choice to either bear fruit or become fuel. 

God though, really desires you to live a fruitful life.  By abiding in His Word (John 8:31), continuing in prayer (Colossians 4:2), and continuing to obey His instructions (John 15:10 AMPC), your life will exhibit visible evidence of God’s life working within you.  You will enjoy true freedom (John 8:32), answered prayers (John 15:7, 16), and the Father’s love (John 15:9).  You will also display the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), good works (Matthew 5:16), full joy (John 15:11), and love for one another (John 15:12-13).

Realize there will still be difficult seasons and that every fruitful branch will be pruned “that it may bring forth more fruit” (John 15:2).  Challenges will no longer appear as setbacks, but  as the divine preparation for growth and abundance.  As you trust God to shape your character and strengthen your faith for the future He promised; He will be glorified (John 15:8).

Living as a fruitful Christian will become like living the dream of being rooted in God’s presence, directed by His purpose, and reflecting His character and nature.  By abiding in Jesus, others can’t help but notice God’s goodness in your truly blessed and fulfilled life.  Therefore, bring God glory by staying firmly connected to the true Vine and fulfill God’s command – BE FRUITFUL.