Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself,
unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
John 15:4 (ESV)
Once again, Sunday's message urged you to take stock of your life, evaluate where you stand in your relationship with God. We do this often because it is important.
But, perhaps when we do, your question is not so much, "Why?" as "How?"
Try this...
Get a piece of paper and list the following...
...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control...
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
Now rate yourself with whatever system works best for you. 1-10. 1-5. 5 stars. Smiley face to yucky face. Whatever.
All done?
How did you do?
If you scored REALLY well on everything, you are either 1) really walking in lock step with God, 2) misunderstood your own scoring system, or 3) SERIOUSLY misrepresented yourself in this evaluation.
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 (ESV)
If you scored okay, some high here, some low there, that is alright. This shows you and He have some work to do, and shows where it needs to be done. Remember, life with God is a process. He is chiseling you into His perfect masterpiece.
...every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
John 15:2b (ESV)
Now, if you scored low all the way across the board, well...there is a problem
This indicates that you are either someone who does not walk with God, or you are a churchgoer...who does not walk with God. Either way, unless you choose to make some changes in your life, there is only one outcome.
If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.
John 15:6 (ESV)
The choice is clear. And simple.
Live and die on your own, or live and never die with Him.
Think about it.
Pastor Jason