By this is My Father glorified that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.The ultimate test of discipleship is fruit-bearing. What kind of fruit? Well, we know from reading the following verses that Jesus is talking about the fruit of the Spirit, the first and foremost of which is love.
(John 15:8 NASB)
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.Jesus is saying that when you bear love and the other fruits of the Spirit such as joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc., you are proving that you are a disciple of Jesus.
(John 15:9-10)
Let me tell you something. If a Christian isn't walking in love, he can forget about the blessings that come with being a disciple.
You're probably very familiar with what the apostle Paul said about those who failed to bear the fruit of love:
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.All the religious words and actions in the world are a waste of time unless you're walking in the fruit of the Spirit.
And if I have (the gift of) prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
And if I give all my possessions to feed (the poor), and if I deliver my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
(1 Cor. 13:1-3)
Taking Inventory
Take the time right now to examine your life for these five evidences of being a disciple. Make sure each one of them is in evidence or in development in your life. They are:
- Cross Bearing (Self denial.)
- Renunciation (Disowning all things that hinder you.)
- Leaving All (Willingness to give anything, anytime.)
- Steadfastness (Consistency and perseverance.)
- Fruitfulness (Walking in the fruit of the Spirit.)
If you want to overcome slothfulness and reach your "expected end," make sure each is in evidence in your life.
Excerpt permission granted by Creflo Dollar Ministries
Creflo Dollar is a founder and senior pastor of World Changers Church International (WCCI). He's a world-renowned Bible teacher, sought-after conference speaker, and bestselling author with hundreds of books, CDs, and DVDs in distribution worldwide. Recognized for his cutting-edge revelation and humorous, pragmatic approach, he enables thousands to experience grace, restoration, healing, and financial breakthrough by applying simple, biblical principles to their lives. He is the author of such game-changing books as "The Radical Life of Grace" and "Why I Hate Religion", and his award-winning Changing Your World television broadcast reaches nearly 1 billion homes. His ministry includes an app available on mobile devices and smart TV's, a dedicated YouTube channel, and the Changing Your World Network, a 24-hour online channel. A thriving social media presence has allowed him to connect with World Changers worldwide.
