September 27, 2024 Productivity vs. Fruitfulness
Friday, September 27, 2024
Productivity Vs. Fruitfulness
I am the true vine, and my Father is the vineyard keeper. 2 He removes any of my branches that don’t produce fruit, and he trims any branch that produces fruit so that it will produce even more fruit. 3 You are already trimmed because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. A branch can’t produce fruit by itself, but must remain in the vine.
Likewise, you can’t produce fruit unless you remain in me.
5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you,
then you will produce much fruit. Without me, you can’t do anything…
8 My Father is glorified when you produce much fruit
and in this way prove that you are my disciples.
John 15:1-8. CEB
When asked to share the desires of their hearts, a middle school teacher with special needs students responded, “I want to empower my special needs students to reach and live into their fullest potential. They are often overlooked because they dress, act, or think differently than those in mainstream classes. Yet, these kids have so many unrecognized gifts. I want to bring those out.”
In a few words, this teacher illustrated the difference between being productive and being fruitful. While productivity focuses on producing the greatest amount of work in the shortest amount of time with the fewest resources, fruitfulness extends beyond mere efficiency.
Fruitfulness encompasses the idea of producing valuable or meaningful outcomes that contribute to nourishing another’s personal growth, well-being, and the greater good. Living life deeply rooted in Christ, fruitfulness is the hallmark of living a purposeful, meaningful life that aligns with God’s purposes and brings Him glory.
As we age and mature in Christ, I find that life becomes less about productivity and more about fruitfulness. Fulfillment becomes less about time management and more about quality management. Success becomes less about the quantity of tasks accomplished and more about whether they contribute to personal growth, well-being, and the greater good.
Reflect: Who are those people who shared their fruitfulness (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control) with you? How is God calling you today to live more fruitfully with others?
Pray: Lord God, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude for Your Holy Spirit’s work in me to become less about me and more about producing Your good fruit that nurtures growth and well-being in others. Help me, Lord, to live life deeply rooted in You, bearing fruit that glorifies Your name and contributes to the greater good of Your kingdom. In the name of the One who lived the perfect fruitful life, our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
By His Grace,
Gloria Ashby
Lay Leader