Business leaders understand well the concept of cutting unprofitable activities out of the business process. Sports coaches and athletic trainers also understand cutting out practice drills and plays which are not productive. Farmers don't waste their limited time on activities which do not increase the yield of crops, flock, or herd. So, Jesus' teaching on disposing of the branches which don't bear fruit is well understood by many (Jn 15:6).
What is not as well understood in our culture is the weakness of the human will without the strength of the Lord. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (see Rm 7:18). On our own, our endurance will eventually fade. Only by remaining in Jesus can we bear fruit for Him (Jn 15:4-5). Outside of Jesus, we will ultimately wither and fade (Jn 15:6).
Secular society teaches that the human spirit will triumph on its own effort. It proclaims that education will make you successful. Jesus, on the other hand, states bluntly, "Apart from Me you can do nothing" (Jn 15:5). Jesus couldn't make the message any clearer: We either remain in Jesus or wither (Jn 15:4-6).
| PRAYER: | Father, may I never treat Your gracious gift of Your Son Jesus as meaningless (Gal 2:21). I want to spend my life as a Spirit-filled, fruitful disciple. |
| PROMISE: | "Their story caused great joy among the brothers." –Acts 15:3 |
| PRAISE: | St. Joseph helped dignify labor by serving Jesus daily through his workmanship. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College