“Dependency” is typically an ugly word in our culture. We think of drug and alcohol dependency, and capable people who are dependent on society, and so on. We’re taught that dependency breeds inaction, lack of productivity, lethargy, and laziness; and generally, that’s true.
But there’s a kind of dependency that promotes productivity. In fact, apart from this sort of dependency, Jesus says, “You can do nothing.” Of course, I’m talking about our dependency on Him.
In John 15, Jesus said:
“I am the true vine, 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 so that it will be even more fruitful. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
“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 15:1-2, 4-5)
Think about the relationship between the branches and their grape vine. A branch cannot exist apart from the vine, much less produce fruit. A branch gets its support, nourishment and DNA from the vine. A grape branch always produces grapes—not apricots, or lemons.
In the same way, we are utterly dependent on Jesus for our support, nourishment and the ability to take on His character. Without Him, we can do nothing—not “less,” or “a little bit,” but nothing, nada, nichts!
What Does this Dependency Look Like?
- We acknowledge that Jesus alone is the “true vine.” There is no substitute, or alternative for Jesus.
- We recognize and acknowledge that all we are, have and accomplish comes from Him.
- Dependency on Jesus means living in (abiding in, remaining in) Him and trusting Him for everything.
- The Father’s pruning in our lives is a loving act that makes us more fruitful. (See Hebrews 12:7-13.)
- Dependence on Christ is not passive, lazy, or idle. There is a diligence to our dependence on Him. We are to be diligent in abiding or remaining in Him. We choose to trust Him. This dependence in Christ is active and requires effort. (See 2 Peter 1:3-9.)
What Fruit Does Christ-Dependence Yield?
Jesus said, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:8) God loves it when we’re fruitful. The fruitfulness that stems from our dependence on Him produces much fruit and the kind of fruit that glorifies the Father.
Here are some examples of the “fruit” we bear when we’re dependent on Christ:
- We experience answered prayers – John 15:7
- We show ourselves to be His disciples—John 15:8
- We experience assurance of Christ’s love—John 15:9
- We exude Christ’s character—John 15:10
- We experience Christ’s joy within us—John 15:11
- We love each other as Christ loves us—John 15:12
- We experience deeper intimacy with Christ—John 15:14-15
How Do We Remain in or Abide in Christ?
Just like the metaphor of the vine and branches, so our dependent relationship with Jesus is very organic. There’s no mystery or secret to it. Simply trust Him. Spend time with Him daily. Talk to Him and let Him talk to you, both from His Word and through His Spirit. Live in relationship with Him.
Take all your cares and concerns to Him. Involve Him in all aspects of your life. Acknowledge your great need of Him and seek to continually grow in Him becoming more and more fruitful. Remember to lean into Him especially during times of suffering or trial. Let your faith roots grow deep and drink deeply from Him.
“Such a person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” (Psalm 1:3)
©2019 Rob Fischer