M-G: 6.24.11 // Plugged into the Source, John 15:5

Click to Enlarge

Have you ever contacted the help desk or IT support because your computer wouldn’t come on, and the first diagnostic question was this – “Is your computer connected to a power source?” Relieved and somewhat embarrassed, you acknowledged like I have that the computer wasn’t plugged into the outlet! I have learned to check to see if the computer is connected before making any call for help to eliminate any future embarrassment on computer fundamentals 101: computers need electricity to run.

Since Beverly and I have two of the most investigative Bengal cats in the universe that love to weave through the tangled web of computer-related wires, there have been several incidents of one of the cats stepping on the on/off switch on the surge protector, shutting everything down. Eventually, I was forced to rig a wire meshed basket over the surge protector to prevent the cats from accidentally stepping on the power switch during one of their incurable and incessant whisker-probing adventures, preventing another unnecessary computer catastrophe and additional stress.

 What our passage reveals to us is that fruit only comes from God – “for without Me you can do nothing” (cf. Hos 14:8, ESV, “from me comes your fruit”). He is the Source; so apart from Christ, there can be no fruit. Unless we are connected or plugged into the vine outlet there can be no life and nourishment flowing from the vine to the branch (cf. Gal 5:22-23). 

As a believer in Christ, we are in a positional sense always connected to the vine (Jn 5:24; 10:28-29; Rom 8:1), but in a practical sense, we can allow sin to make us unfruitful, becoming “disconnected” from the power Source, figuratively speaking. We don’t lose our salvation, but our fellowship with Christ is disrupted and so is the flow of spiritual blessings in our life.

Unlike my computer problems, our unplugging from fellowship with God is not by accident but a willful choice not to abide for some rebellious reason. Abiding is simply staying put, remaining where we are, and being connected or plugged into the Source (Jesus Christ) in obedience.

Non-Christ-like behavior, living in conflict with the Word, unanswered prayers, and an absence of joy and peace are symptomatic of a disconnection between you and God. You know the answer from heaven’s helpdesk, “You are not plugged into the power Source.” Thank God for 1-800 – 1JOHN19 (1 Jn 1:9). Make that call today if you are experiencing computer problems of the heart! He can make it run like new! <><