All or nothing?

Jesus says, '... apart from me you can do nothing' (John 15.5b). It is good to remember, however, that the opposite of 'nothing' in this phrase is not 'everything' (cf. Phil. 4.13), but 'much fruit'. Again, the bearing of fruit, the evidence of Godly living, our faith induced productivity and what that looks like is not our responsibility. God shapes and forms and grows the fruit.  I must recognize my limits. But we do have the responsibility to 'remain'.  And here to remain seems to refer to an ongoing absorption of the word(s) of Jesus, exemplified in the great love he shows in 'laying down his life for his friends'. 

What is it to do all or nothing (especially vis a vis Christian ministry)?  That phrase to do is troubling for those who are perpetually driven by forces other than the undying love of Christ.  If deeds motivated by this pure love are the measure, the only deeds that matter, the only deeds that produce much fruit, then surely all other activity must be rejected as meaningless and fruitless.  Oh, to be able to discern such work and activity in our own lives...

cutting and pruning

'... and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes...' (John 15.1b-2a)

Cutting and pruning in the Christian life is inevitable, inevitable and painful. The goal of following/remaining in Christ: fruit-bearing.  I may fear that in the process of cutting and pruning this branch will be lost forever. Yes, this is where I am.  Everything that I have come to value as important; aspects of my character, ways of doing things and not doing things, thoughts that edify and thoughts that betray. Sooner or later it might just have to die. The father takes me tenderly in his hands and cuts/prunes right through the imperfection, which to me might look like perfection...

'... Now remain in my love'

What does it mean to remain?  I see a bud on a vine, completely inseparable.  Only love can cause the branch to grow; true love coursing through the very veins of life.  My success and failure absolutely dependent on that union/extension/growth.  The shape of my life patterned on the DNA of Christ the vine, and the fruit nothing to do with me - not within my gift to produce, blossom or control...

a magazine article on magazines and lent

It amazes me that in this age of technology so many magazines are still available in print from newsagents and supermarkets etc.  The variety of subject matter is stunning: from celebrities, cars and computers, to sewing, steam railways and sport.  And, while the content may not always be edifying or indeed very helpful, the spread of colourful pages across the shelves certainly illustrate different aspects of life enjoyed by people.  Many evidently still choose to read magazines!

Lent is often considered a time for giving up aspects of life we enjoy to prepare spiritually for Easter.  It is a season for replacing luxury with spiritual disciplines, for carving out time and space in our lives for God.  In doing so we align ourselves with Jesus’ instruction, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’ (Matthew 16.24).

Christian thinkers of the past often envision the path of discipleship as a route that steers us away from aspects of humanity towards the Holy.  However, it is noteworthy that many of these thinkers were male, single and living within monastic traditions with a particular take on ‘self-denial’ and ‘cross bearing’.  I wonder whether this path actually looks a good deal different for Christians today, whether becoming more like Christ is about attending to our humanity as much as cultivating a friendship with the living God; or a delicate balance that involves welcoming the joys and limits of being human alongside delighting in God.

If the purpose of Christian faith is to become like Christ to receive his gift of life ‘to the full’ (John 10.10) then perhaps in Lent we might think about whether our lives are in balance.  Perhaps, for some, Lent disciplines come easily, but we find it hard to relax into our relationships or extract the joy from life.  Perhaps, for others, our attachment to worldly things causes a real obstacle to our walk with Jesus, and by his grace need to be laid down.  This is a real challenge.