“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”- John 15:5
In Chapter 10 of Soul Keeping, John Ortberg references John 15:5, noting that when we make sure- through the power of the Holy Spirit- that we are with God, bearing fruit will follow naturally. When the soul is right with God, social or vocational status is irrelevant. The soul thrives through simply being with God, not through human efforts or accomplishments.
Pastor Ortberg suggests a little self-test he calls “The Soul Experiment.” He describes the experiment as a simple way to focus our soul on God throughout our waking hours- to maintain a consistently conscious awareness of God and surrendering to His presence. John then contrasts life “with God” with life “without God”:
The ‘with-God ‘ life is not a life of religious activites or devotions or trying to be good. It is a life of inner peace and contentment for your soul with the maker and manager of the universe. The ‘without-God’ life is the opposite. It is death. It will kill your soul.”
Today’s question: How have you been intentional in focusing your soul on God following your ministry downsizing or vocation loss? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “God here in this moment”
