The analogy of the Vinedresser found in Scripture1 indicates that God is committed to our abundance. He expects to find a good harvest in His vineyard.
Abundance is a nice-sounding word. Thinking of abundance gives a fullness-of-joy type feeling. Having plenty. Enjoying sweet fruit. Yes, that is well and good.
But is it the vine or the vineyard owner who benefits from this abundance? The answer is obvious. The vine has simply done what it was created to do, and the owner reaps the harvest.
Bottom line: My life is not my own. The fruit that I produce, hopefully in abundance, is harvested and used for the purposes and plans of the vineyard owner.
Along with God’s intention of leading me into abundant life,2 I also reap joy in abundance. This comes not from feasting on the fruits “I” have produced, but from knowing that I am abundantly useful to the Master.
~ Diane
- Isaiah 5:1-5 2. John 10:10