Asking that we might bear fruit

In this passage, Jesus makes a very powerful promise.

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. (John 15:7)

A lot of people take these kinds of words to mean that if we ask God to make us rich, he will.

But look carefully at what he says. “If you remain in me. And if my words remain in you.”

We talked yesterday about what it meant to remain in Jesus. It meant to live a life of trust in him. Trusting that he knows what is best and is looking out for our best. And because of that, we do the things he asks.

But if a person is truly putting his total trust in God, how in love with money will that person be?

Instead of seeking temporary things like money or possessions, what will such a person pursue? A relationship with God. And a life that makes an impact on the world around them for the kingdom of God.

A life, in short, that bears fruit for God. And that’s why Jesus says in the very next verse,

This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (John 15:8)

The whole context of asking what we wish is of bearing fruit. Jesus again says later,

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. (John 15:16a)

And immediately after that, he says again,

Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. (John 15:16b)

What is the one way that God wants us to bear fruit more than any other? He tells us in verse 17.

This is my command: Love each other. (John 15:17)

If we do this, if we love one another, and show the people around us who God really is, we will make an impact in this world. We will bear fruit. Fruit, as Jesus said, that will last.

And with a heart that is transformed, with a heart that looks not to temporary things but eternal, God will be more than happy to give us whatever we ask in his name that we might bear even more fruit for him.

So the question is, “Are you remaining in him?”

Is your heart focused on him and pleasing him? Is your heart focused on serving him and touching the world around you with his love? Or is it still focused on temporary things?

Where is your heart today?