Branches of the Same Vine

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (New Living Translation, NLT)

so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. Romans 12:5 (New Living Translation, NLT)

There are many different sects, denominations and doctrinal beliefs within the body of Christ. While we may grudgingly acknowledge that we are all believers, we tend to promote division and separation. We see denominational churches against non-denominational, Spirit-filled churches against non-Spirit-filled, White churches against black churches, against Hispanic churches, etc. It seems we have forgotten the fact that we are all branches of the same Vine. This is truly the plot and plan of the enemy because he knows that we can accomplish much when we are united. Agreement produces power, but division weakens us and allows us to be defeated.

I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. Matthew 18:19 (New Living Translation, NLT)

Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. Matthew 12:25 (New International Version, NIV)

The enemy seeks to weaken the church by dividing her and he has been successful to a degee. If we ever intend to win the world, we must overlook our minor differences and work together as one body. That is how God intends it to be.

I am coming to you; I will not stay in the world any longer. But they are still in the world. Holy Father, keep them safe by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they will be one, just as you and I are one. John 17:11 (New Century Version, NCV)

We are all believers united by our faith in Jesus Christ. He is the Vine that we are all connected to. We are connected to Him, therefore, we are all connected to one another. We are members of the same body, with Jesus as the Head. If we pull away from the rest of the body, we have to pull away from the Head as well since it is all attached. This means that division weakens our relationship with each other and it also weakens our relationship with Jesus.

In order for the vine to be a vibrant, fruit-bearing tree, all branches must be healthy, connected, and productive. Each branch receives nutrition from the vine, but its leaves also receive needed elements from the air, which feeds the rest of the tree. All the branches need one another. First of all, we must stay connected to Christ. And secondly, through our common faith in Christ, we must remain connected to the other branches. Only by rejecting division and staying together can we produce fruit for the Kingdom.