Tuesday, May 11, 2010

What Makes you Different?

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5


To a non-believer looking at you, what makes you different than the others they look at?

You might have the immediate response, “I have Jesus” but does that show to the non-believer? Does it show to your brothers and sisters in Christ? Let’s just say you have two friends who are kind, have good morals, love, listen, they both talk about doing what’s right, their speech is clean, and so on. But one of those friends has the seed of Christ in them and the other does not. How is the Christian different, what stands out to you the most about the one who is saved? How do you stand out as a Christian? Are you a Christian?

And how can we claim to be followers of Christ but then miss-represent Him by our lifestyle? And if we are miss-representing Him than are we sure the seed has truly been planted? (Just a thought)

In our passage today Jesus says, that all those who remain in Him will bear much fruit, and any of those who are not apart of Him can do nothing. That my sweet friend is how we and others can see and know the difference, by the fruit we produce.

When we allow Christ to plant that seed and then we water it with the word of God it begins to sprout and produce fruit, fruit that is joyful, prayerful, hopeful, kind, patient, loving, and good. It is the fruit that represents all the amazing character qualities of Christ that gives us a distinct appearance. An appearance that reflects Christ and not us, an appearance that when seen stands out and does not blend in.

A follower of Christ is one who is willing to die to themselves daily, pick up their cross and follow Jesus. They bury their sinful desires and put on the righteousness of Christ and His word.

Just like Brother Collins put it, “we are a walking talking advertisement” and we can either advertise for Christ by the fruit we produce or we can advertise for the World which belongs to Satan.

Do you just say you are a Christian or does your fruit show it?

Prayer: Lord as apart of Your branch produce in me the fruit that will lead others to You. May all eyes look past me and straight to You. I want nothing more than for You to receive all the honor and glory. Amen

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