When a branch is cut-off or broken from the tree, it becomes nothing more than a lifeless stick. If left on the ground for too long, it simply rots away and becomes compost. Such is true for man. Apart from the Vine, we are devoid of life; without purpose or meaning. However, unlike the tree branch, man has an inert determination to achieve and succeed in much despite being removed from anything resembling true life.
A branch, when severed from the tree, can still be used to become something that seems to be of great significance. It can be shaven, shaped, tempered, and sealed and become many things. It may become drumsticks banging away in the hands of a highly praised and adored rock star or become the baseball bat of a hall of fame player who is on the heals of the all-time hits record. Given the size of the branch, it could even be used to become a support beam of a magnificently beautiful million dollar home. If any of these possibilities is true for the branch, it may think to itself, "I've made it. I've become something of significance. I have finally found my purpose!" This proclamation may seem true for a season. But one day when the rock star plays his drums too hard, that drumstick will break in half. When the hall of famer hits the right fastball, that bat will splinter into pieces. When the next category 4 hurricane makes landfall, that house will become nothing more than a heap of wooden debris.
When the breaking points come in life, and they will, our achievements will do little to comfort us. Our successes will be nothing more than a chasing of the wind. They too will be devoid of life, purpose and meaning. When the illusion of significance passes, the man who lived apart from the Vine will realize that the school they chose to attend, the job they worked so hard at, the home they lived in, the toys they owned, and the relationships they held will not be enough to sustain them and bring them peace or joy.
True purpose comes through knowing Christ and being identified with Him in every facet of your existence. Through Christ we have been give freedom to succeed and achieve and to discover purpose and meaning but it is only when you allow the life of Christ to be the ruling factor in all that you hope for. God wants for you the same thing you want for yourself - to be completely fulfilled in this life and the next. But apart from the real life, the life given through trust in Jesus, you will never find fulfillment. Even if you do become that highly coveted drumstick or sports collector's baseball bat or all important support-beam, without Christ at the center of it all, you would have been just as well off left lying in a field rotting and becoming compost.
This world has nothing to offer you of any true value or significance. True life is found in Christ. Remain connected to Him, place your confidence in the promise of His words, and you will yield much fruit in this life. God loves you and wants to give you a future filled with hope, love, and joy. All you have to do is abide in Him.
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