There are so many things we could do for the Lord – so many great things! Leading Bible studies, going on mission trips, singing in the choir, being a greeter, serving at a homeless shelter, taking a meal to a shut-in, being a pastor, volunteering at school, working with the youth group…the list could go on and on and on. And often our hearts are “right” in that we truly want to do good in His name and for the blessing of those around us. But have you ever felt like you’re spinning round and round, like a hamster in its wheel, but you’re getting no where – you’re bearing no fruit? Often we find ourselves exhausted, frustrated, and on the verge of burn-out. Why is that?

 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

 There is a difference between doing all the things a “good” Christian does – and truly abiding in Christ.

 “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

 If I am truly abiding in Christ, then I am having genuine communion and fellowship with Him. I will hear His voice – and I will know what He has for me to do. I want to do all the “good works” that God has prepared in advance for me to do! Because I know that when I am doing what HE has designed me to do, then I will be doing it under His power and anointing. If I’m doing more…if I’m doing things that are good ideas to me, even with good intentions…but they are not the things He has prepared for me to do, then I’ll be doing them in my own strength and power. IF there’s any fruit at all, we can be sure that it will be fruit that won’t last. I don’t want to spend my time toiling for fruit that won’t last! I don’t want to expend all my energies doing things that He never intended for me to do – even “good” things! Nor do I want to miss the things He has for me to do – I want to bear fruit! I want the blessings that come from following after Him in obedience and faith.

If I’m not abiding in Christ, then there’s no way for me to know. Christ is everything! Everything always, ALWAYS comes back to my relationship with Him. By not abiding in Christ, I’m missing out on all I was created to be…I’m forfeiting blessing…I’m probably draining myself of precious time, energy, and joy…I’m probably not bearing the “much fruit” that He prepared in advance for me to bear (as I do the good works He prepared in advance for me to do).

 Are you abiding in Christ? Do you know what it means to abide in Christ? If not, please don’t be afraid to ask! Please don’t be afraid to do whatever it takes to get to that place. There’s no greater place to be; no other way to bear fruit in His name and for His glory.