Genuine Fruit Bearing

[Daily Devotional]

Genuine Fruit Bearing 

     I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in
him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do
nothing. John 15:5.  

     Said Christ, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman."
"I am the vine, ye are the branches." "Every branch in me that beareth
not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he
purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit" (John 15:1, 5, 2). That
unpruned branch may have looked good to human eyes but the eye of One
who never slumbers nor sleeps leaves it not alone to die of
discouragement. The Husbandman pruneth it, that it may produce fruit
unto life eternal. . . .  

     Whenever professed Christians are constantly flaunting their leaves
of profession before the eyes of others, there is no real fruit to the
glory of God. Their religious life and experience seem satisfactory to
themselves. They have exaggerated emotions, effusive expressions of
fervor, and highest exaltations. Their religion consists largely in
feeling and excitement. There is very little in their own souls that
corresponds to their profession of faith. Self is their ideal of
perfection. They value more the outward impression they make upon others
than the inner life which is hidden with Christ in God.  

     Let everyone who would reveal Christ by being a doer of His Word,
become rooted in Christ Jesus, rooted and grounded in the truth. Put
away all self-assertion. Let living and acting the lessons of Christ
Jesus speak of your perfect obedience to Jesus Christ. . . .  

     The formation of the character must go on day by day, hour by hour.
The inward working of the Holy Spirit is revealed outwardly in the
appearance of fruit, ripening and perfecting to the glory of God. The
inward life speaks in the outward action, in the producing of rich
fruit. This is showing forth the praises of Him who hath called them out
of darkness into His marvelous light. If the Lord Jesus is formed
within, the hope of glory, the life will be rich in good works,
corresponding with the truth which they profess to believe.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 133