13. More Fruit—

John 15:2 (NRSV) … Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit.

The thought of fruit is so prominent in the eye of Him Who sees things as they are. Fruit is so truly the one thing God has set His Heart upon, that our Lord, after having said that the branch that bears no fruit is taken away, at once adds ‘and where there is fruit, the one desire of the Vine-grower is more fruit.’ As the gift of His Grace is the token of spiritual vigor, as the showing forth of the glory of God and Christ is the only way for satisfying the need of the world—so God longs and equips us for, more fruit.

More Fruit—

Two very searching words. As churches and individuals we are in danger of nothing so much as self-contentment. Let us not rest content with the thought that we are taking an equal share with others in the work that is being done, or that men are satisfied with our efforts in Christ's service, or even point to us as examples. Let our only desire be to know whether we are bearing all the fruit Christ is willing to give through us as living branches, in close and living union with Himself. Let us only rest assured that we are satisfying the Loving Heart of the Great Vine-grower, our Father in Heaven, in His desire for more fruit.