“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower.”
John 15:1 NRSV

Growth only happens when the fruit is connected to the vine.

No connection … No growth

This reminds me of one of my favorite sermon illustrations. I wish I could credit the original source …

A boy wanted to buy a watermelon for his mother. After searching for the largest, riposte fruit he could find he asked the owner of the patch, “How much for that watermelon?” The owner replied, “That watermelon costs $2.00” The boys face dropped and the owner of the patch could see the sadness on his face. “How much do you have?” The owner asked the boy. “25 cents” he replied, “Do you have any watermelons I can buy for 25 cents?” The owner of the patch took hime to the back corner of the patch and found a very small, but green melon. I will give you thus watermelon for 25 cents” he said. The boy was elated! He quickly handed the owner 25 cents and said, “leave it on the vine, and I’ll be back in 2 weeks to pick it up!”

Just like that watermelon, when we stay connected to Christ, the true vine, we will grow deeper in faith. Our growth as Christians enables us to love and serve others as Christ guides our ministry.