Faithful, Not Just Fruitful: Cultivating a Life That Matters

I find myself measuring my life with the world’s scales. As a physician trying to get into medical practice, success looks like healed patients. As a counselor, it is transformed clients. As a parent, it’s children who thrive and well settled in life. As a spouse, it’s a harmonious marriage. As a disciple of Jesus, it means the number of people impacted for Christ. These metrics swirl in my mind, whispering that fruitfulness equals worth—producing, achieving, multiplying.

But is this what Jesus desires for His followers? Is fruitfulness in God’s eyes the same as success in the world’s?

Jesus’ Standard for Fruitfulness

When Jesus spoke to His disciples, His words weren’t about chasing results. He used a gentle but vivid analogy: “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.” (John 15:4) Notice that our role isn’t to force fruit; it’s to stay connected to the Vine. The fruit comes naturally when we rest in Him.

The Transforming Power of Abiding

To abide means more than to visit occasionally. The Greek word meno describes an enduring, steadfast, intimate connection. It’s about dwelling, continuing, and persisting in relationship with Christ—no matter the ups or downs. True abiding shapes our faith, obedience, and love. It’s not a passive existence, but an active relationship lived out daily. beautifulinjesus

When we focus on this union—trusting, listening, obeying, and loving—Jesus Himself produces fruit through us. Faithfulness, not frantic effort, is what He desires.emeryhorvath+2

From Outcomes to Faithfulness

The world demands outcomes, but Christ invites us to Himself. The measure of a life that pleases Him isn’t the tally of our visible achievements. It is found in the depth of our union with Him. Fruitfulness, in the biblical sense, is simply the by-product of a faithfully abiding heart. biblicalcounselingcoalition+1

Abiding daily

  • Spend unhurried time with Jesus in prayer and Scripture, letting His words shape your day.
  • Obey what He shows you, even in small things.
  • Stay aware of His presence in every role you play: at work, at home, and beyond.
  • Love as He loves, trusting Him with the results. tyndale+1

A prayer to stay faithful until the end

Lord, free me from the tyranny of measuring my life by what I achieve. Remind me that true fruitfulness comes not from striving, but from faithfully remaining in You. Help me to abide—steadfast, surrendered, and secure—so that any lasting impact flows from Your life in me.

Put down the performance checklist. Jesus is the Vine. All He asks is for willing and faithful branches who stay close to His heart. That is something anyone can do, every single day. markcole+1

  1. https://www.markcole.ca/secrets-of-a-fruitful-life/
  2. https://beautifulinjesus.com/abiding-in-christ/
  3. https://www.emeryhorvath.com/s12-020-great-life-changing-lessons-on-abiding-in-jesus-podcast/
  4. https://www.tyndale.com/sites/unfoldingfaithblog/2019/11/13/how-to-abide-in-christ-and-what-that-means-for-you/
  5. https://butterflyliving.org/what-does-the-bible-say-about-faithfulness/
  6. https://www.biblicalcounselingcoalition.org/2025/05/28/abiding-in-christ-is-the-key-to-fruitfulness/
  7. https://wellchristianwoman.com/abide-and-be-fruitful/
  8. https://www.verachristian.com/connecting-the-dots/how-to-abide
  9. https://goingdeeperstill.com/how-to-live-an-effective-and-fruitful-christian-life/
  10. https://gracemarriage.com/abiding-in-christ-marriage-growth/

From Entitlement to Humility: A Reflection

Moses was a Hebrew slave brought up in royalty, as the king’s son. He used his power to bring justice to his fellow Hebrew slave. Surely the thing is known! Moses suddenly became aware that his sin was the talk of the town. This is how I felt when I asked for accountability from someone. I felt that person ought be accountable to me. They turned around and asked me, what is this sense of entitlement that you have?

Today’s Lectio 365 devotional set me thinking. I am a slave to sin but I am brought up as a Princess. If I show an attitude of entitlement, isn’t that pride? And this pride sets in when we lose sight of the day of small beginnings.

Who am I that I should seek respect or accolade from any one? The leaders of the world seeks to be respected , to be acknowledged and to be honored before people. But the humility of the King of the universe is something to be emulated. He sought after the pleasure of His Father and nothing else.

The world would be such a peaceful place, if we make it our lives mission to seek after the pleasure of our Heavenly Father.

Peace that passes understanding

Walking by Faith: Embracing New Beginnings at 50

2024 a year of new beginnings. A year of stepping out of the boat. A year of walking by faith and not by sight. Looking back with gratitude for every minute of this year that has gone by. 2024, the year I turned 50.

Though the last few years have been filled with heartaches, disappointments and broken expectations. I have come to recognize that the Lord my God has the final say. He is Sovereign. He has the final laugh. The truth is that every word He promises will come to pass. I doubt and second guess myself. Sometimes, even going back on my word. Still, His word is always yes and Amen. The more I think of it the more I feel humbled and awed.

From a young age, people told me, or I thought they did, that I was foolish. I heard them say I was good for nothing and average. I grew up believing that as truth. I thought that was my destiny, I was angry with God for making me that way. I bargained with God to make me more capable. I thought that by doing good, or being obedient, I can make Him answer my prayers. Isn’t that how we earn some brownie points from God? Or so I thought!

Facing my fears was never a choice for me, I preferred to give up and play it safe. I did this instead of taking a risk of failing in any challenge. That was my mindset from a very young age.  I avoided trying out new things because of the fear of failing and being made fun of. Even if I did mustered the courage to take up a challenge, I would not try hard. I believed the lie that I was incapable of success in the task at hand. This attitude caused me to be taunted and put down, which took a further hit on my morale and self-esteem. I am so grateful that God didn’t let me stay in this cycle of self- pity and self- condemnation.

 It was at these lowest times in my life that He revealed Himself to me. I started understanding the love of my Good Shepherd. I am so grateful for His goodness, that follows us all the days of our lives. He sought after me, His lost sheep. He has truly prepared a table before us in the presence of our enemies. I am amazed at the way he turns what the enemy does for the good of His beloved.

I want to glorify my Heavenly Father for the way he has led me so beautifully in the last few year

  • I never imagined that I would get back to pursuing my dream of serving the community through my medical degree. He enabled me to successfully finish the Post graduate Diploma in Mental Health from Christian Medical College, Vellore in 2022 along with Sharon as partner, and then enroll in Post Graduate Diploma Family Medicine in 2023
  • In April 2022, I joined the Indian Women’s Business Club. This enabled me to grow in the area of entrepreneurship. Mutually encouraged by other women like myself to pursue after God’s purposes for our lives. This included learning how to communicate the why of our brand. Through which, I developed the idea of a new project named RAAHAT. I took the plunge to launch a new website to promote the concept of whole person care in June 2024.
  • I realized that I can say no to mental torture and being put down. God gave me the courage to move out of a toxic environment for a season in August 2022. Professional counseling gave me confidence to return to a safe zone of respect and honor in November 2022. During this time of uncertainty the presence and peace of my God and Father was my source of strength
  • Another miracle was the opportunity to volunteering in a Medical clinic, in a tribal district in Odisha.

Praising God for the open doors that He provided me in the last few years. I can’t imagine the outcome of my life without Christ. His redeeming work in my mind and attitude has been the game changer!