The Verdant Vineyard: True Fruitfulness in the Power of God
In a world obsessed with results, it's easy to fall into the trap of measuring spiritual success by numbers—decisions made, commitments declared, or seats filled. But as an insightful Abide Above devotional entry reminds us, true fruitfulness doesn’t come from human wisdom or effort. It comes from the life and power of the Holy Spirit working through us. This isn’t just a subtle distinction; it’s the difference between man-made activity and God-ordained transformation.
Man’s Wisdom vs. God’s Power
Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 cut straight to the heart of this matter:
"My speech and my preaching were not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."
Paul deliberately avoided flashy rhetoric or persuasive tactics, even though they might have won him accolades in Corinthian culture. Why? Because he understood that faith rooted in human wisdom is fragile and fleeting. It may produce an emotional response, but it cannot produce spiritual rebirth. Only the Holy Spirit can do that.
This should challenge us to examine our motives and methods in ministry. Are we trusting in our cleverness, charisma, or strategies to "convert" people? Or are we, like Paul, depending solely on the Holy Spirit to bring about real transformation?
The Dangers of Human Strength in Ministry
As the devotional explains, when we rely on human strength to produce spiritual outcomes, the results are often shallow and unsustainable. People may respond to the Gospel intellectually or emotionally, but without the Holy Spirit’s work, their faith becomes dependent on human influence rather than divine revelation. This kind of faith is vulnerable to collapse when trials come, or when the emotional fervor fades.
A.H.'s words highlight this danger:
"That which is produced by the preaching of the Gospel in man’s strength is unsound... their dependence for life and service will be primarily upon human strength, and not upon ‘the power and demonstration of the Spirit.’"
True spiritual fruit requires us to step aside and let the Holy Spirit work. This doesn’t mean we stop preaching or sharing the Gospel—it means we do so prayerfully, humbly, and with complete reliance on God.
A Grave That Yields Resurrection Life
J.E. Conant’s insight draws a beautiful picture of transformation:
“When Joseph of Arimathea put a grave into his garden in which He who went to the Cross was to be buried, he very soon had a resurrection there. When the old man is buried in the grave of our hearts, we will also share the resurrection life and fruitful activity of our risen Lord.”
To bear spiritual fruit, we must first bury the "old man"—our self-reliance, ego, and human striving. In effect, we need to hold for ourselves what Oswald Chambers eloquently referred to as a “white funeral, a death with only one resurrection— a resurrection into the life of Jesus Christ.” When we surrender our life to the Lord, His resurrection life begins to work through us. The fruit we bear in this surrendered state is not the product of our effort but the evidence of His life in us.
What Does True Fruitfulness Look Like?
It’s easy to assume that spiritual fruitfulness is primarily about winning souls to Christ. But Jesus’ words in John 15:8 offer a different perspective:
"Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit."
Notice Jesus doesn’t say, "that ye convert many souls." Conversion is the Father’s work, brought about through the Spirit. Our role is to bear the Spirit’s fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). When these qualities fill our lives, they create fertile ground for God to work through us.
As Andrew Murray writes:
"Do not grieve the Spirit, and the first thing He will do will be to fill your heart with love, joy, and peace; and when the inner condition is right, then the outer condition will be right."
Fruitfulness begins within. When we cultivate a vibrant relationship with Christ and yield to the indwelling Holy Spirit, our lives naturally reflect His character. It’s in this state of inner fruitfulness that God uses us most powerfully to draw others to Him.
Faith Rooted in God’s Power
The devotional closes with a crucial reminder:
"That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."
This is the heart of the Gospel: a life transformed by God’s power, not by human persuasion. Our role is not to force results but to abide in Christ, trusting Him to work in us and through us in His time and way.
This frees us from the pressure to "perform" in ministry. It reminds us that we’re not responsible for saving anyone—that’s God’s work. We are simply called to live in faithful dependence on Him, bearing fruit that glorifies the Father by reflecting the glory of His grace, and trusting the Spirit to use our lives to point others to Christ.
A Closing Reflection
As we reflect on this truth, let’s ask ourselves:
Am I relying on my own strength or the Spirit’s power in my ministry and daily life?
Is my focus on producing outward results, or on abiding in Christ and bearing inner fruit?
How can I surrender more fully to the Spirit, trusting Him to work in me and through me?
May we, like Paul, reject the wisdom of men in favor of the power of God. May we seek not to build numbers but to bear fruit that glorifies the Father. And may we trust the Holy Spirit to do what only He can—bring true, lasting life, Christ’s life, to a world in need.