Two-minute read.
Did you know that more than 10,000 grape varieties exist? Some grapes have different names in different countries. Winemakers cultivate 1300-1400 different types for their product. Some get dried and used for raisins; others get squeezed for juice. Different vines produce different fruit.
What vine we attach ourselves to determines the fruit we produce.
In His Farewell Discourse to the disciples, the night before His crucifixion, Jesus wanted them to understand this lesson. Using familiar agricultural terms, the Savior taught about the true vine: Him. The disciples and we, as His branches, depend on Him for strength and spiritual growth. The fruit we produce shows our connection to Christ and helps us display love, obedience, character, service, and spiritual transformation.
Apart from Christ, we can do nothing.
Therefore, we must make sure we attach ourselves to Him. Like the thousands of varieties of grapes, we live in a world with thousands of ideologies. Some seem very similar to Christ’s teachings, but slight differences lead people astray. The fruit produced identifies the vine.
We live in a world that changes constantly, and with it, so do the vines. Movements pop up, people follow them, and then, when they produce no fruit, they move on to the next fad. To avoid folly, we must keep our eyes on the Savior and our branches attached to His vine. Only one true vine exists: Jesus.
We can attach ourselves to the vines of work, friends, family, hobbies, and keep trying harder to produce the fruit we want. Or, we can attach ourselves to the true vine and let Him produce the fruit. Connected branches to the true vine produce the best fruit.
Through a close relationship with Christ, we will produce spiritual fruit. Not because we work harder, but because we remain strongly connected to the Savior. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. Connected to Him, we can do anything.
Strive for dependence on Jesus. Nothing else matters more than our relationship with Him. From our divine connection, we receive all we need to do the work the Lord has for us. Not on our strength, but His.
Journal Questions:
- Where in my life am I trying to rely on my own strength instead of depending on Jesus?
- What “fruit” do I see—or want to see—growing in my life because of my relationship with Christ?
- What is one practical thing I can do today to remain more closely connected to Jesus?
Application:
Find a scripture to meditate on today that will keep you connected to the Savior.
