FAKE FRUIT & REAL FRUIT
By Joni Earecksen Tada

First you find a cluster of white Concords and fasten them to the branches of the vine. From there, you tie roots to the trunk and dig a hole, setting the entire thing into the ground. There you have it, manufactured fruit (and incidentally, fruit that will rot quickly). What you have done is put first the fruit; second, the branches; third the root; and fourth, the soil.

God grows genuine fruit in the opposite order. First He plants the seed of His Word in the soil of our heart. The Spirit quickens us and causes the Word to take root in our soul. Next, as we grow, satisfying fruit clusters in abundance.

Genuine fruit comes from abiding in the Vine.

“No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me” (John 15:4).
____________________________________

Lord, I confess that I try to bear fruit by myself, forcing self-control, reminding myself to be good and kind, often painting a smile of joy and putting on a pretense of peace. Forgive me for all this manufactured fruit in my life. May I abide in Your Word and keep step with Your Spirit today…. I look forward to the sweet and satisfying fruit You will produce in my life.