Spread Happiness: Lasting Fruit for God's Glory
John 15:8 – “When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.”
Good morning, brothers.
There is no greater happiness than that of a Christian man who knows deep in his soul how much God loves him and who delights in bringing glory to the Father.
This happiness is contagious! Think of Coach Lou Hotz; he weathered many storms yet spread the love of Christ everywhere he went. He exuded joy in the Lord. Have you ever met someone like that? They put you at ease because you can be yourself around them. They're secure and happy in Christ, and they remind you that you, too, are loved and treasured by God.
Thank God for those brothers and sisters in Christ who have the gift of encouragement, happy saints who truly know God and make Him known through their lives.
As I prepare to head to South America early tomorrow morning, a couple of thoughts come to mind.
First, about cultures (and even religions or denominations): It's one thing to observe a culture from afar, but it's quite another to be immersed in it, to dine with people, hear their hearts, laugh and celebrate with them, and yes, mourn with them. True fellowship happens when we worship our Lord and Savior together. Even then, we see only the outside, but God sees the heart of every person. He knows whether we love Him or not (1 Samuel 16:7).
The Holy Spirit is our Advocate and Teacher. “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative, that is, the Holy Spirit, he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” Men, let's be open and obedient to Him today. Let's allow ourselves to be taught!
Over the last year or two, as we've explored conservative Anglicanism and Catholicism, I've appreciated the emphasis on Scripture (both Old and New Testaments), liturgy, prayer, fasting, and the Church's seasons. These practices are helpful tools to remind us of God's love, His power, and His commands for growing as disciples. But that's the key question: Are you growing? Or are you stuck, like a scratched record skipping on old scars and repeated folly?
I want to encourage you today: Get back with God. He loves you deeply. He wants to prune and purify you so you can produce good fruit, lasting fruit. Remember, we can only be fruitful by abiding in Jesus, all day, every day. “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5)
I'm excited to experience Colombia. We've visited Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Venezuela, but never Colombia. I'm looking forward to hearing the birds, seeing the flowers and butterflies, tasting the coffee and chocolate - and yes, sampling the local beer too!
This morning, I'm reminded that God is the Great Gardener. “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener” (John 15:1). He delights in His garden, His vineyard, and His wonderful, chirping, blossoming creation. Jesus tells us that when we bear much fruit, we prove we are His true disciples (John 15:8). Jesus loves us. He wants happy saints filled with His joy. He goes on adventures with us, indeed, He prompts and leads us to go. And as we go with Him, our joy will overflow. “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” (John 15:11).
Love one another faithfully, sacrificially, honestly, genuinely, and for all eternity.
As Jesus' friends, obey His command: “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you” (John 15:12). As I travel, I'm mindful to stay confident yet humble in Christ. So many across denominations are utterly convinced their way is the only right way. I like the conviction, but what concerns me is the lack of love and unity. Often it seems people would rather win an argument than truly share the love of God and His Gospel (1 Cor. 15) - like a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1), than help someone God wants to help.
We can become flippant in our celebrations or travels. That's a danger the Israelites under David discovered when moving the Ark of God from Kiriath-Jearim to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:6-7; 1 Chronicles 13). They consulted their own ideas, celebrated wildly, and patted themselves on the back, but when the oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark, and God struck him dead for his irreverence. God loves a joyful, happy heart; kindness flows from joy in the Lord. But we must always remain reverent before Christ our King.
God expects obedience to His commands, and His great command is that we love one another. He will be with us and bless the households of those who fear and love Him. Let's do that today. As Saint James says, true faith shows itself in action (James 2:14-17).
Jesus warns that His followers can stumble or fall away if unprepared. “I have told you these things so that you won't abandon your faith” (John 16:1). Yet remaining in Him is essential for producing lasting fruit. “You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name” (John 15:16). We have victory in Jesus, the ruler of this world, Satan, has already been judged. “Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged” (John 16:11). Thank God! But in this short life, amid the Church's growth, we must stay vigilant, make disciples, and grow in Christ.
Let’s close with this ancient prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.
Amen.
Brothers, go bear much fruit today, for His glory and our joy. He's with you.
In Christ,
David
On an adventure this time last year with Kari in El Salvador. My hair was shorter. I'm looking forward to a haircut soon, as it's getting out of hand!
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