Half Baked

We always take things out of context. We always grab the sound bite on instagram or on (insert name of favorite platform or new service).

Warning: slightly longer Jesus post here today y’all

It’s so easy for them to take a few words and make them sound different enough from their original intent. It’s always wrong or at least it’s always just half true. Half-truths are what’s killing us. It always seems kinda true. It rings true and so we believe it and remember it. We all do this. Sometimes intentionally and sometimes not.

Here’s an example that can change how you walk with God today:

Jesus said ‘Apart from me you can do nothing’. That phrase without its context means something a good bit different from what I think He’s actually saying.

Here’s a more complete version (John 15:1-8) Read this for its practical, on-the-ground meaning for today. Don’t make it all churchy as you read.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes ^a so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

I really don’t think He is saying literally ‘we can do nothing’. I think Jesus is saying ‘It would be WAY better. The outcome will be way way better if you do it with my input; with my insight; with my motives; with my plan. I’ll make it much more incredibly awesome. Let’s go together (abide)

Every second of every day we can ask him ‘which way do I go’ and He’ll make the choice better. Or not. We get to decide. Half-baked or All the way.