It's week 2 of the new year...how are the plans holding up?
As we plan for a new year, it makes sense to consider the ultimate outcomes. At the end of the year, when we reflect back, what do we want to be able to say? Do we want to have spent more time working? Shopping? Watching TV? Probably not. Or, do we want to look back on a year where we made a difference? Contributed to society? Grew personally? I hope that's our wish. It is mine!
Deeds that will last
Of course, if I invest I'd like it to have impact - lasting impact. At the end of the year, I'd like to look back and see that the things I spent time on produced fruit. Fruit that will last.
Recipe for lasting fruit
If there was a recipe for guaranteed fruit, would we follow it? What if there was a way to live so that we could have lasting results, would we take that road? There is according to John chapter 15. Verse 5 records Jesus' words on the matter, "I am
the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you
will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5, NIV). Another version states it this way: "I am the Vine, you are
the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation
intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated,
you can't produce a thing" (The Message).
These are strong words. How do we "remain"? I think it's through prayer and reading God's word. When we start there and then live to make a difference, we'll have lasting impact.
Your turn
What do you think? Are your plans the kind that will stand the test of time? Do you believe Jesus' words? If not, what's your standard that you live by?
