So I think I might just be a normal Christian from now on. In John 15:5, Jesus said:
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
I take this to mean that if I stay close to Jesus and spend time with Jesus and have lots of Jesus’ Word in me, I will produce much fruit for Jesus. I’ll do the things that Jesus wants me to do. I’ll be a truly fruitful, successful Christian. Maybe I’ll adopt kids, but maybe not. Maybe I’ll be a missionary to India, but maybe not. Maybe I’ll host a community outreach…maybe not.
If I stay close to Jesus, he’ll lead me into the good works that he has prepared for me.
The reality is the folks in my church who are the most fruitful for Christ are simply those who are closest to Christ. I think of long-term member Tim McKelvy. I don’t think he could tell you what it means to be missional, but he and his wife Donna are constantly reaching out to people. I think of my 93-year-old grandfather who probably couldn’t articulate Reformed theology and yet does a Bible study at a nursing home every single month. I think of my dad who isn’t “adoptional” and yet has adopted two kids.
I want to be like Tim and Donna and my grandpa and my dad. They’re just normal Christians who stay close to Jesus and trust Jesus to make them fruitful.
Here’s to normal.
