True Vine

I think deep down, most people want their lives to flourish and be significant. The human soul is never truly satisfied with survival alone. The big question is how we live to bring about that deeper satisfaction.

Many ways are presented to us in society. Full life through wealth and consuming. Significance through education and self improvement. Flourish through living for the enjoyment of the moment. Jesus speaks to us of a true way.

When Jesus describes himself as the true vine and his believers as branches, he is showing us how to be fruitful. We bear fruit according to the extent we have a living connection with the vine. If we are attached to consumerism, self-help and pleasure, we can expect its fruit. If we are in relationship with Jesus, we can expect to become like Jesus.

The hope for the world is revealed in this truth. We need to be fruitful branches of the Son of God and withered in respect to greed, pride and lust.