The Difference Between Fruitfulness and Success

Scriptures: 

Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. 
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NLT)

In a word, what I’m saying is, grow up. You are kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.
Matthew 5:48 (MSG)

The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.
Proverbs 11:24-25 (MSG)

Devotional: 

We all want to live a flourishing, generous life—but everyone seems to have a different definition of what that looks like. The world chases success, but as believers, we should aim for fruit. In John 15:5, Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

There’s a difference between fruitfulness and success. Fruit keeps producing life, but success is fickle—it comes and goes. A fruitful and generous life has nothing to do with how much money you make, how known you are, or how prestigious your career is. It’s a mindset. Living generously begins with understanding that our God is a generous God. It’s about remaining in Him and letting Him grow us and produce fruit in our lives. Too many people would rather climb a trellis than grow a vine. They want to climb the ladder of success instead of climb into the arms of their Father. Stephen Covey says this about ladders, “When you get to the top of the ladder, you may find it is propped against the wrong wall.”

1 Timothy 19 talks about the future of those who are always ready to produce fruit and share it. It says, “they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.”

God isn’t against you having wealth—He just wants to make sure wealth doesn’t have you. He wants you to live freely and lightly, unbound by the cares of this world and able to reflect His heart of generosity to others. 

What about you? Are you aiming for fruitfulness or success?

Prayer: 

God, thank you for leading the way in generosity. Thank you that I can trust you with my finances and my life. Help me to follow the leading of your Holy Spirit and always aim for fruitfulness over success. Amen.