How To Be Productive

Jesus' formula for productivity is very simple but profound. A lot of books and common statements in society subtly oppose his view and many people will rather quote a more fascinating success statement than quote Jesus. In fact, this particular view of Jesus on productivity that I want to share will hardly cross the mind of many but it is the bedrock of Christian productivity. Since Jesus made it clear that following this rule will lead to increased productivity, there is no doubt that it will.

In John 15, just as Jesus was about to leave the world, he said: 'Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.'

Very simple but profound formula: 'Abide in me'. Jesus used a very vivid illustration to explain this, 'As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me'. This illustration demonstrates three interwoven paths to productivity in Christ. They are connection, dependence, and continuance.
You can't claim to be following Jesus if there is no connection between you and Him. You abide in Him and He abides in you. He guarantees us that Christian productivity is not possible unless we abide in Him and He abides in us. We must stay actively connected to him. It is not about having head knowledge of the bible, "Abiding in Christ" is about connection, dependence, and continuance in Christ.

We should always acknowledge and demonstrate our dependence on the master. It is not a song to be sung, it is a consciousness to be maintained. Whatever you're called to do in the Lord and no matter how good you are at it or how long you've done it, you should understand that you're nothing without him. You must acknowledge and live out that dependence.

Connection and dependence on Christ are not what you do at a point in your life, it is something you will continue to do. You should make up your mind to remain in Christ (and remain in His word). Remain in Christ and be continually conscious of your connection with Him. The continual consciousness of the reality that your life is in Christ will set you apart and make you not just busy in the kingdom but very productive.

You demonstrate this 'Abide in Me' principle through continual trust, obedience, and reliance on the Word. You should never allow any voice to speak to you against the voice of the Word. NEVER!