Bear Much Fruit, and So Prove

True life is not hidden in mere connection, but shines forth as fruit for the glory of God.

Devotional Credit: Excerpt from In Christ by E. Stanley Jones
Photo Credit: Unsplash

E. Stanley Jones gently reminds us that the true aim of prayer—and indeed the true measure of our lives—is fruitfulness in Christ. God’s glory is magnified not merely when we engage in religious activities like attending church, reading Scripture, or praying, but when these practices result in a life that produces spiritual fruit. Fruitfulness is not optional; it is the natural outworking of being a branch connected to the true Vine.

Jones illustrates that just as a fruit tree fulfills its purpose by bearing fruit, so believers fulfill their calling by producing the life of Christ outwardly—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Religious activity without fruitfulness misses the whole point.

Moreover, he warns that a life centered on personal enjoyment, even late in life, leads to a subtle withering of the soul. Those who remain vibrant are those who continue to live outwardly—serving, creating, loving—regardless of age. We were made by a Creator to be creators, not mere spectators. Only the creative are truly alive. When we stop living for others and creating goodness around us, life itself becomes dry and frustrating.

In every season, God’s purpose for us remains unchanged: abide in Christ and bear much fruit, so proving to be His disciples.

Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture

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. Abide in Me, and you will bear much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be My disciples.

You are My workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which I prepared beforehand that you should walk in them. Do not grow weary of doing good, for in due season you will reap, if you do not give up. Remain steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in Me your labor is never in vain.

Let your roots go deep into My love and be built up in Me, abounding in thanksgiving. In all you do, work heartily as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you are serving the Lord Christ. Bear the fruits of the Spirit in your daily living—for against such things there is no law.

I have planted you by streams of living water, that you might yield fruit in season. Your leaf shall not wither, and in everything I lead you into, you will prosper according to My purpose. Remain in Me, beloved, and flourish.

(Scripture references: John 15:5, 8, 16; Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 6:9; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Colossians 2:6-7; Colossians 3:23-24; Galatians 5:22-23; Psalm 1:3)

Real-Life Analogy

Imagine a lamp plugged into a power source but covered with a thick, heavy cloth. Though the current flows through the wire, the cloth blocks the light from shining. The purpose of the lamp—to give light—is not fulfilled simply because it is connected; it must also be uncovered. In the same way, being "plugged into" religious activity isn’t enough unless the life of Christ shines outward through our actions, words, and love. Our true vitality isn’t proven by connection alone—it’s proven by shining fruitfulness that touches others.

Prayer of Confidence

Father, I thank You that You have grafted me into the true Vine, Christ Himself. I trust that as I abide in Him, Your life will flow through me, producing fruit that glorifies You. I rejoice that I do not have to manufacture fruit through self-effort; I simply rest in Your life within me, trusting You to bring forth what pleases You. Let every moment today be an opportunity for Your Spirit to express love, joy, peace, and goodness through me. I stand in awe that You have chosen me to bear fruit that remains. Thank You that in You, my life is never empty, never in vain.