Redefining Success
Vine and Branches

Scripture Reading: John 15:1-8

Key Verse: John 15:5

“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.”

We must now turn to the actual Biblical elements of success for each of us to incorporate these elements into our lives. Our scripture for today gives us the first and most critical element in our new definition of success: Being in and remaining in Jesus. The Biblical absolute, stated in this verse, is that “fruit” will be produced by anyone in Jesus. “Fruit,” in this context, is “successful results in eternal endeavors.” If we have defined success by the Biblical standards, we will want our lives to count for something that “outlives us” … for things that matter into eternity! That will happen in us as we are in Jesus.

Jesus reminds us in John 15:4 that “no branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the Vine.” Jesus is painting a beautiful and crystal clear word picture; He is the Vine, we are the branches. You and I cannot do anything of eternal value if we are not totally grafted into Jesus.

Returning to our theme for this week, we must redefine success as being in and remaining in Jesus. How do you start each day, as far as your thoughts and plans? What do you hope to accomplish above all else? Jesus is challenging us to answer these two questions with a simple answer: If I get nothing else done, I want to remain in Jesus! Out of that flows “fruit” that will accomplish more than we can ask or even imagine. Jesus, in John 15:8, puts even greater emphasis on this element of success by adding that when we bear much fruit, this will bring glory to the Father and show that we are Jesus’ disciples! Passionate prayers, careful study of the Bible and disciplined behavior all show our determination to be in and remain in Jesus!

Father, I will call this day successful if I make every effort to remain in You! Remind me often, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.