As I look ahead to 2009, I am so very excited about having two separate opportunities to make
the long journey to Africa and visit friends, many of whom I have not seen in quite some time. It is impossible during those trips not to take account of the vast differences in culture and how those differences translate into the church. Some congregations are very similar to congregations in the United States, however some are not. The variations are nothing of profound doctrinal importance, but instead are a simple reflection of diverse societies. Whether the congregations have three songs then a prayer or take a more informal approach to their corporate gatherings is not the issue. While I notice those differences, my attention is drawn to something much more significant: how Christians live each day across the globe.Jesus never wanted robots who ritualistically obey commandments without understanding or caring why those commandments were given in the first place. He described a much more vibrant, communal relationship between him and those who would call themselves disciples:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit…Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 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…By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” (Matthew 15:1-8)
The purpose of a disciple of Jesus Christ is to bear fruit through their connection to him.
Each day, men and women awake in cities and villages around the world with this goal in mind.
They have glorifying God as their sole purpose, regardless of what activities are planned for the day. They know that they can bear fruit in many ways and therefore put God first whether they are drawing water, attending a board meeting, or sitting in a worship service. That goal is what binds us to them. We are all connected as disciples through Jesus, the vine.When I am in Kenya or Ghana, I am able to recognize the Christians by the fruit that they bear (see Luke 6:44). What if a disciple from one of those countries came to Athens, AL? Would he or she be able to recognize disciples here? Would he or she notice any fruit laying around? As this year moves forward, let us remember the simple call of discipleship and strive to connect to Jesus, through whom we are able to do all things and without whom we are able to do nothing!
