By Jeff Brink, February 20, 2024

My blogs focus on the various aspects of networking (or connecting) as a Christian in the marketplace. Today, we will discuss the most important connection you will ever make and the need to maintain it.

In His final days, Jesus spends much of his time encouraging his disciples and preparing them for what will happen. At that time, Jesus shared the vine parable, including “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener… I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:1,5 NIV).

These verses inform us that Jesus is the vine, the true source of life for believers. We are branches connected to Him, drawing that life from Him as branches draw the necessary nutrients to survive and flourish. Not just on Sundays but in every aspect of our lives, including our work.

During the workday, it is imperative that we don’t compartmentalize our faith. Only by staying connected to the vine and abiding in Christ can we produce real fruit and flourish as God intended. There is also a warning about not remaining in Jesus – “apart from me you can do nothing.” This verse is similar to the warning in Psalm 127:1: “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”

So, how do we stay connected to the vine and flourish? One way that Jesus mentions is that His words remain in us (John 15:7). Are we spending time daily in His Word? Are we seeking to follow His instructions everywhere in our lives (i.e., at the office)? Are we spending time with Him in prayer? These are all things we can find time for throughout the day to remain connected. To “bear much fruit” in our careers, we should constantly seek God’s guidance and wisdom on important decisions and pray through stressful situations. We all take time for a lunch break – while feeding your stomach, you can also be feasting on the Word of God.

As you spend more time with God throughout the day, look for the appearance of the fruit of the Spirit in you and in your interactions with others. Paul described these in Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

Our Father is the master gardener, always pruning unhealthy branches from our lives. So, don’t be discouraged when encountering work-related setbacks or unforeseen career changes. God may be pruning areas to make way for nourishment to feed new growth. Without pruning, there can be no fruit.

God has created each of us for a purpose; He wants to produce something of value (fruit) in our lives and at work. The only way to achieve this fruitful life is by abiding in Jesus. The meaning of John 15:1-8 is incredibly practical and can transform our faith and how we apply it to our God-given vocations.

The most important connection you will ever make is to the true vine of Jesus. Be sure to remain connected every day to the vine and let the master gardener do His work.