Roots Over Fruit

The Struggle is Real

Checking the Number Board

I think the checking of the numbers board is a very clear sign that our jobs are constantly being checked for progress. I feel the same pressure when people constantly ask me how many people I have in Master’s. And the truth of the matter is that people have expectations and those expectations are measurable in numbers, for them anyway.

Although you and I know that numbers do tell an objective story, they do not tell the whole story. SORRY AARON.

The fact of the matter is, that whether or not the numbers on the board reflect true growth, the perception that there is fruit on the tree is enough satisfaction for most.

And I think that personally, this type of struggle that (you and I have) creates a push for fruit in our ministry, good fruit, authentic fruit, plastic fruit, bitter fruit, fruit our of season…you get the point. People don’t care what kind of fruit it is so long as it holds a numerical value.

Maybe, this is why so many churches have set their priority on counting and not converting.

But when we look at the word regarding the type of fruit we are to bear we find something that challenges us and encourages us.

John 15:1–11 ESV

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

All That Is Required Is to Abide

"Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit"

To get a better picture of the word abide, the OT gives us some storyline to grasp it's use.

Abide:

Genesis 45:9 "Therefore, hurrying, go up to my father and say to him, ‘This is what your son, Joseph, says: “God has made me lord of all the land of Egypt. So, come down to me, and do not remain there."

The word remain is the same word abide in the NT. Joseph is telling his Father, do not continue to habitat, live in, take up residence or abide there.

Abiding is meant as the taking up of reisdence or dwell in all your days. It speaks of committment, regardless of opposition or oppression.

To further that concept of abiding regardless of conflict:

Psalm 33:11 ESV

The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.

Psalm 111:3 ESV

Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.

The word "stands" and "endures" is the same word translated in the NT as abides.

Let me ask you, is there anything so great that would move where the counsel of the Lord stands? Is there anything that would keep God's righteousness from enduring forever?

No, therefore when Jesus is saying abide in me, He is saying, "Just as my counsel and righteousness is immovable, be also immovable in me."

Maybe we could read verse 5 like this, "Whoever is immovable in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for when you've moved from me, you can do nothing."

Notice how in light of the new word our focus turns to being immovable, becasue that's not the greater challenge, and not so much on bearing fruit.

Because bearing fruit will happen.

Fruit Happens

If we would spend our efforts on being immovable, we wouldn't have to try as hard as we do when it comes to bearing fruit. Notice again the structure of the sentence:

(Topic) Whoever abides in me and I in him (Focus)

(Pronoucement) he it is that bears much fruit (Fruit)

(Reason) for apart from me you can do nothing. (Fact)

Our effort and our actions should be placed on the focus. The focus is what's recepteive to our actions.

Without the focus, the fruit is untouchable and the fact is unchangeable.

Can I just stop and ask, where in your life, your ministry, your marriage, your relationships are you spending more time on growing fruit than you are on growing roots? Roots are what make you immovable.

One Last Thing

John 15:16 ESV

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

We need to remember, it was not our plan for us to do what we do.

God chose us. God chose us. We didn't choose Him.

The fruit is not a sign of His approval in our life. The fruit is a sign of His appointment in our life.

God expects us to bear fruit. He wants us to bear fruit. According to verse 7 it is how the Father is glorified. Don't you know that's all Jesus cares about is for His father to be glorified?

Jesus is simply saying, forget about the numbers, forget about the formulas, forget about the fruit. Spend your energy on the things I can't do for you, like abiding in me.

If I can summarize this whole thing up I would say, "Roots over Fruits" and remain immovable in Him.

Pray