Fruitful Christians

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.”
Luke 8:14–15
The ministry of Robert William Dale who pastored in England in the 1800s was characterized by a deep concern for the lives of others. While on a trip through Europe, he wrote to his wife back in Birmingham, England. “Lake Lucerene is before me—the noblest scenery in all Europe. But I declare that there is nothing in this magnificent view which makes me feel half the thrill I have when I look down on the smoky streets of Birmingham. That thought that you and I together may, with God’s help, save multitudes sends the blood through my veins with an exultation which the most magnificent views of earth cannot create.”
God did not save us for our own sakes alone, but for a purpose—to be fruitful in His work. Jesus told the disciples, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you” (John 15:16).
The Lord could have chosen angels to carry the gospel to the lost, or written messages in clouds or any number of other means, but His plan is for those who have received His salvation to share that hope of eternal life with others. The key to being fruitful is found in the heart. If your heart is to be fruitful, it must be “good ground” which is soft and tender to the things of God and yielded to His purpose.

Today’s Growth Principle: 

An unfruitful Christian is missing out on God’s purpose and calling for his life.

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Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.  --John 12:25 I’d like to ask you a question: How would those closest to you say you define success? Not, how do you define success. But how do those who observe your life say you define success? Because it’s all too easy to get sucked into the lie that success means achieving more, trying harder, and doing better. And that applies to every area of life: business, family, faith. We think the secret to success in each means trying harder and doing more. But Christ turns notions like these on their heads! He says blessed are those who mourn… when you’re weak, you’re strong… the first shall be last. And as he says in today’s verse, if you want success in life, die to self. Now, I know this isn’t a message you’re going to see advertised on prime-time television or screaming at you from billboards on the side of the road. Our world says if you want to be successful, take control of your life! But the Bible says, let the Spirit control you. The world says you’ve got to build your kids’ self-esteem! But Jesus says to train your children to love and serve God. When it comes to success and most everything else, the world’s view is 180 degrees different from God’s view. And like I said before, it’s easy to get sucked into believing the lie. And what’s funny is that anyone who’s had any measure of worldly success will tell you that it never satisfies and is never enough. Have you ever wondered why that is? It’s because God created you and me to find our ultimate success and satisfaction in him and him alone. Not in wealth or power or club memberships or vacations or houses or jewelry or new cars or new clothes. Today, it’s my prayer that you will remind yourself of these truths, and keep reminding yourself! Because although it’s counter-cultural, it’s true: The way to be truly successful in this life is by following Jesus Christ, obeying him day by day, and investing yourself in relationships. That’s the way to be truly successful. THE WAY TO BE TRULY SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE IS BY FOLLOWING JESUS CHRIST, OBEYING HIM, AND INVESTING YOURSELF IN RELATIONSHIPS.