"Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." John 15:1-4 (NIV)
At an early age, my dad taught me to perform menial maintenance on automobiles. He always liked to take a car that had a "problem" and ask me to help him locate the malfunction. I learned that this process is defined as "Troubleshooting". "Three things you need to troubleshoot son...” my dad would share, "...fire, fuel, and fluids." These elements need to be present first before the best of engines can operate effectively. We need spark from the plugs (as well as electrical component flow), fuel to create the combustion and fluids (oil, grease, water, radiator fluid, brake fluid, etc.) to keep everything mechanical lubricated and smoothly moving. Without fail, by the time we check all three of these element categories, we can manage to locate the problem.
Whether one believes in Jesus Christ or considers Him suspect, one thing is for sure, Jesus was a great Teacher. I have not found one person that would stand "flat-footed" and declare that Jesus bombed when it comes to helping others understand Biblical principles. He always approached the common and the complicated alike with a style of instruction that helped everyone get the point. I notice that the teachers, preachers, and instructors of my generation-at-present that really make an impact, follow this similar practice. Jesus referred to the Father as the One Gardener, Himself as the true Vine, and His disciples as branches.
· Where are the overwhelming accounts of this fruit in the lives of the average Christian these days?
· What does this fruit look like in practical, everyday examples?
· When it comes to my life, how do I keep this "fruit-bearing" culture alive and contagious?
I take the "Troubleshooting" approach when attempting to answer these questions:
· Am I truly connected to the Vine through faith in Christ, is the Fire of the Holy Spirit present within me?
· Do I go to God in prayer and consult the Scriptures each day for the Fuel that I need?
· Is the Love and Truth of God flowing as Fluid through my heart?
After taking a look at my thoughts, my words, and my actions, am I a "Fruit Bearing" follower of Christ?
Troubleshoot your relationship with Christ before you begin to fret.
Do you struggle in your walk with Him?
Ask yourself...
"...Am I putting first things first?"
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