January 15

Bought with a price: therefore glorify God. — 1 Cor. vi. 20.

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. — JOHN XV. 8.

"MEET for use" seems to be the language of everything God has created. The Christian is no exception to this law. He, like the Master, is to be among men "as one that serves." Fruit-bearing is the sign of a thrifty life. By it the disciple knows he is abiding in Christ, and through it he brings help and cheer to others. "Much fruit," -- it is the hope of this poor sinning world. There are so many needing help, opportunities for serving are so numerous, that only they who abound in good works fulfil the divine expectation. A true Christian should resemble a fruit-laden tree. We are taught here that God does what we are prompted to ask for in Christ's name, to the end that we may be useful, and because of our gracious attainments, beautiful. We become disciples by thus bringing forth fruit. Thinking Christ's thoughts, asking for things in his name, doing his will, and ministering through what we are, and by what we do, to others' good, we attest our discipleship. All forceful life springs out of union with Christ. We need not bring forth the self-same fruit, for the Father is glorified, not so much in the kinds of fruit, as in the all-essential fact that we are fruitful. Let each disciple serve in his or her own way, for it is the service that blesses. Fruit of every kind stands in evidence that we are rooted in Christ, and because of it is the Father glorified.

M. M. G. Wanda

Long as I live beneath, To thee, oh, let me live; To thee my every breath In thanks and praises give. Whate'er I have, whate'er I am, Shall magnify my Maker's name.

C. WESLEY.