Ramblings of a Believer

I’m no arborist, but from my understanding, the purpose of a branch is to grow leaves that absorb sunlight and carbon dioxide.  Branches live through the provision of water and nutrients by the tree, and oxygen is the product that benefits the environment around it. So what happens when a branch breaks off from the tree?  Unfortunately, it no longer serves the purpose for which it was created.  It can no longer survive and can no longer provide a benefit to the tree or to the environment around it.  Our relationship with God is the same way, where we are the branches and God is the tree.  The tree uses the branches, but it by no means requires the branches to survive.  In John 15:5 it says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

God loves to work through us to further His kingdom, but we are not a requirement for God to accomplish His purpose.  If we break off fellowship with God we will cease to benefit from the anchor of having God in our lives, but His purpose will continue without us.  In the very next verse, John 15:6 says, “If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.”

The beauty of the tree as an analogy is that the branches receive everything they need by staying in fellowship with the tree.  Likewise, we are promised to have everything we need by staying in fellowship with the Father. In John 15:7, Jesus continues, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” A relationship with God does not promise an easy life (but neither does a life that lacks the relationship).  It does, however, promise a life of purpose for the glory of the Father.  John 15:8, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” When it says bearing much fruit, it means that God’s desire is for us to be successful; maybe not by the world’s standards, but by His.