Every living being depends on being connected to something, in some way. There is also a need for interdependence between species. However, we need to understand how this dynamic works. Let’s take a look.

Without beating about the bush, I’ll get straight to the topic I intend to discuss.

Human beings remain connected to their mother from conception until birth, at which point they are forced to be physically disconnected from her. However, they remain dependent for sustenance—that is, to receive the breast milk that will enable them to grow. Even after a few years, children still depend on their mother or a carer in order to learn how to become independent throughout their lives.

The same is true of human beings in relation to their Creator. From the moment they are adopted into the divine family—and this transition is essential—they are conceived, born, die and are resurrected to a new life. From then on, it is vital that the individual remains connected to God in order to be nourished and bear fruit. If this does not happen, they will be cut off, for in truth they were already disconnected.

This spiritual connection occurs solely through obedience to God’s commandments, as it is written: ‘Whoever keeps his commandments abides in him, and he in them’ (1 John 3:24, first part).

Merely declaring one’s acceptance of Jesus as Saviour is not enough to establish this connection. A covenant is indispensable, and the terms of this covenant correspond to God’s law (Deuteronomy 4:13). It is of no use to claim that one wants to belong to God, that one believes in Him or that one loves Him, if one refuses to accept the sovereign conditions imposed by Him.

Jesus Himself warned:

‘ABIDE IN ME, AND I IN YOU: JUST AS A BRANCH CANNOT BEAR FRUIT OF ITS OWN ACCORD, UNLESS IT ABIDES IN THE VINE, SO NEITHER CAN YOU, UNLESS YOU ABIDE IN ME. I am the vine, you are the branches: whoever is in me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing. If anyone is not in me, he is cast out like a branch, and withers; and they gather them and cast them into the fire, and they burn. IF YOU REMAIN IN ME, AND MY WORDS REMAIN IN YOU, ASK FOR WHATEVER YOU WISH, AND IT WILL BE DONE FOR YOU. In this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; AND IN THIS WAY YOU WILL BE MY DISCIPLES. Just as the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; ABIDE IN MY LOVE. IF YOU KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS, YOU WILL ABIDE IN MY LOVE; just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love’ (John 15:4–10).

Therefore, remain connected to bear fruit! Otherwise, it will be impossible to remain in Him. The absence of fruit in daily life is irrefutable proof of a lack of connection with the Creator.

Oli Prestes
Missionary