Dear Friends,
“When the writer Charles Kingsley was asked the secret of his life, referring to the theologian and Christian Socialist F. D. Maurice he said, ‘I had a friend.’ The contact with loveliness made him lovely.” 1
Is there someone in your life whom you can look upon as a good influence? Perhaps they are a relative or friend, a teacher or mentor of some kind. If you do, then you are blessed. When you are in their company, your behavior is improved and even afterwards, they have a lasting impact upon you.
I remember my first PE teachers and sports coaches; they all had a lasting impact upon me, and I still remember their words of encouragement today. And then there are fellow believers with whom I’ve shared the faith journey and continue to with them in faith and fellowship.
When Jesus taught the Disciples,
“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.”
He was speaking of His influence upon us when we are in relationship with Him. And this teaching should encourage us to maintain that connection as strongly as possible so that we may always be fruitful and productive in our discipleship.
I remember when I joined the Church at my confirmation, my first set of bible reading notes were called ‘Every Day With Jesus’. I found this a helpful title because it encouraged the habit of daily devotion. Similarly, ‘Our Daily Bread’, the notes we use at UPC, also suggest the need for the same regularity. For, unless we intentionally work at this essential relationship, we are in danger of inadvertently cutting ourselves off from the true vine that is Jesus Christ our Lord.
All church members promise to gather with their fellow believers, who together, are part of the body of Christ. If we remove ourselves from the body we are also failing in our commitment to Christ.
Whether we are new or old pilgrims or church members embarking on a term of ordained service, it is crucial for our spiritual well-being that we are in constant contact with our Lord and Savior and with the church, His body, so that we are able to bear fruit.
As Jesus said,
7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
John 15:7-12
Pastor Cliff
1 The New Daily Study, The Gospel of John (page 205) William Barclay