Being a Christian means to be a “follower of Christ,” striving to be more like Him each day. When Jesus was here on earth, His entire ministry was focused on loving others, helping others, and teaching others, all in preparation for His heavenly kingdom, and He wants His followers to do the same.
Matthew 28:19-20 tells us, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” And in John 15:16, Jesus gives a personal invitation to serve Him: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last and so that whatever you ask in My name the Father will give you.” Notice that in both of these verses, Jesus promises to be with you and give you what you need to be successful. Some Christians may argue that God didn’t call them to be successful, only to be “faithful.” But that’s simply not true because Jesus clearly stated that He wanted you to go and “bear fruit.”
He didn’t just call you to be faithful, but also to be fruitful! In Matthew 21:19, Jesus actually cursed the fig tree because it didn’t bear fruit. Being faithful is only part of what God asks of His followers. The other half is being fruitful. Faithfulness and fruitfulness go hand in hand. Christians who are not actively sharing their faith, participating in church, or involved in helping others are not being fruitful and eventually will spiritually die. There’s a reason Jesus asks you to be “fruitful.” Going to church and just being a “pew warmer” won’t make you passionate to serve God.
Some Christians have a desire to share their faith but are too shy, filled with fear, or are simply just not passionate enough to allow God to use them. But don’t be afraid to witness for Christ. There is absolutely no reason to fear.
Over and over again, God promises that you are not alone, that He is with you, and that anything He calls you to do, He will give you everything you need to do that job! And God always keeps His promises. Listen for Holy Spirit guidance, and God will show you who to witness to, what to say, and when to say it.
Jesus makes it very clear in John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
Fruitfulness will come when you allow God to take control of your life and surrender to His will.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV
7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.
8 They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
John 15:5-8 NIV
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Matthew 12:33 NIV
“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.
Isaiah 58:11 NLT
The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength.
You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.
© Brenda Walsh Ministries www.brendawalsh.com