A Fruitful Life…
“God asks you not to have a successful life but to have a fruitful life.”[1]
Henri Nouwen
I think that many of us would define “success” in life in different ways. For some, success may be a six- or seven-figure income, a corner office or having a second home. Others might point to accomplishments in their field of work, like developing a new product or patent or pioneering a new process or technology. Or maybe it’s just being productive with whatever you are asked to do in your life. Still, others could claim success is dependent upon the quality of their relationships, those at home with their children and spouse, in their community or even those within their workplace team. Still, others would define success as getting through the day without drinking alcohol or using drugs.
Very often, how we define success in life seems to give us our identity. For followers of Jesus, I wonder if we should allow ourselves to be defined by these external qualities or accomplishments. Ultimately, our core identity is that of being a beloved child of God. Anything else is just peripheral, perhaps even insignificant.
The quote above from pastoral theologian and Roman Catholic priest Henri Nouwen suggests that the real question we should be asking ourselves is not “Am I successful?” As followers of Jesus, the real question we should ask is “Am I living a fruitful life?” or “Am I living into my true God-given identity?”
What is the difference between being “successful” and being “fruitful?” Both seem to imply there is external evidence that can be assessed and categorized with boxes checked one way or another.
I think being spiritually fruitful means that we are living a life that reflects Jesus Christ. In John 15:5, with Jesus being the vine and we the branches, bearing fruit is something Jesus suggests is a way to recognize those in relationship with Him. We bear fruit because we abide in Jesus as the branches abide in the vine, or grow from the vine, and produce fruit.
And the fruit? I imagine it is whatever is life-giving to others …
[1] Henri Nouwen, “Belovedness.” Talk give at the National Prayer Breakfast, Ottawa, Canada, 1991.
