just the facts
"I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who lives in Me and I in him, will produce abundantly, for apart from Me you can do nothing." —John 15:5
Are you living your Christian faith? Are you living in Christ? (see Jn 15:5) To live in Christ and He in us, we must pray, go to church, and obey the commandments. However, living in Christ is much more than this. To live in Christ, we must be baptized into Him (see Rm 6:3) and decide to live our Baptisms by letting Jesus be the Lord of every aspect of our lives. However, we can deceive ourselves on this. We may say "Lord, Lord," but not enter into God's kingdom (see Mt 7:21). How can we know that we are living in Christ?
If we are bearing fruit by leading others to life in Christ, then we must be living in Christ and drawing "life from the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Pt 1:3). Although those with whom we share the faith can refuse to accept it, we will still lead several people to Christ, for God's word is "living and effective" (Heb 4:12). It always achieves the end for which it was sent (Is 55:11).
Are you living in Christ? Don't give your thoughts or feelings on this question. Instead, reflect on these questions: What are the facts? Where is the fruit? Who are the people you've led to new life in Christ?
Prayer: Father, trim me clean to increase my yield (Jn 15:2) so that I will not be cut off and burnt (Jn 15:6).
Promise: "They made their way through Phoenicia and Samaria, telling everyone about the conversion of the Gentiles as they went. Their story caused great joy among the brothers." —Acts 15:3
Praise: Sandra has been instrumental in leading several people on her street to new life in Jesus.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, October 9, 1998
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 17, 1998