Core Truth: It is doubtful that there has ever been a Christian who has been perfectly satisfied with how well they have been satisfied with their level of success in living the Christian life and bearing the spiritual fruit that Christ taught should be the case when in John 15:16 He said: “You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you that you might go and bear and keep on bearing fruit, and that your fruit may be lasting, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He may give it to you.” However, our gracious and patient Lord has also given us the remedy to our frustration, and has actually modeled the solution for us, if we are willing to pay the price.
Scripture: John 12:20-26
”I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just one grain; … But if it dies, it produces many others and yields a rich harvest. Anyone who loves his life loses it, but anyone who hates his life, who has no love or concern or regard for his life here on earth, but despises it, preserves his life forever and ever. If anyone serves Me, he must continue to follow Me conforming wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying, and wherever I am, there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him. Now My soul is troubled and distressed, and what shall I say: Father, save Me from this hour of trial and agony? But it was for this very purpose that I have come to this hour. Rather, I will say, ‘Father, glorify Your own name!’” Then there came a voice out of heaven saying, “I have already glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”