Former Blackout Artist

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Each year, Americans spend over eight hundred million dollars on self-help books. Think about that. That’s almost a billion dollars!

Why? Because we’re convinced that the secret to becoming a better version of ourselves is out there somewhere. We believe the next book, the next podcast, the next habit, the next routine, or the next life hack will finally unlock the person we were always meant to be.

The message is always the same: Look within. You have what it takes.

But Jesus says something completely different. “I am the vine, you are the branches… apart from me you can do nothing.”

That’s not only God’s truth – it’s also His invitation.

A branch has one job: stay connected to the vine. It doesn’t strain to produce fruit or grit its teeth and try harder. Fruit is simply the result of the life flowing through it.

It’s the same for us! But the problem is we have this remarkable tendency to turn Christianity into another self-help program. We promise to pray more, read our Bibles more, and sin less. While those are certainly attributes of Christ follower, we should always remember that He never came to make us more self-sufficient. He came to give us His life.

Self-help says, “Change yourself.”
Jesus says, “Remain in Me.”

One leaves you carrying the impossible burden of becoming someone better. The other gives you the life of Someone greater.

Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30.

Stop striving to reinvent yourself. Remain in Him and allow the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do.