We’ve been exploring what it means to be chosen by Christ—first the tension it creates with worldly values, then the unique community it forms among believers. Today, we’re diving into something equally important: the purpose behind our choosing.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide.” – John 15:16
Not Just Chosen, But Appointed
Notice how Jesus frames this: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you…” There’s intention behind our selection. We weren’t chosen randomly or merely for our own benefit. We were chosen with a specific assignment in mind.
The word “appointed” carries weight. It suggests being placed in a position with authority and responsibility. Think about that for a moment. The Creator of the universe hasn’t just selected you—He’s positioned you with purpose.
This completely flips the script on how many of us approach our spiritual lives. We often ask, “What do I want to do for God?” when the better question might be, “What has God already appointed me to do?”
The Fruit That Remains
So what exactly is this purpose? Jesus makes it clear: “that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide.”
Let’s break this down:
- “Go” – There’s movement implied here. Our purpose isn’t static or passive. It requires action, initiative, and sometimes stepping into new territory.
- “Bear fruit” – Fruit is the natural outcome of a healthy plant. It’s not manufactured or forced—it grows organically from who we are. But what is this fruit? Throughout Scripture, we see it includes both character development (the “fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5:22-23) and impact on others (people coming to faith, lives being transformed).
- “That your fruit should abide” – This is perhaps the most striking part. Jesus is concerned with lasting impact, not just temporary results. He’s interested in fruit that endures, that continues to nourish and reproduce long after our initial efforts.
This focus on enduring fruit challenges our culture’s obsession with immediate results and quick wins. Jesus is playing the long game, and He invites us to do the same.
Finding Your Specific Purpose
While all believers share this general purpose of bearing lasting fruit, each of us has a unique expression of this calling. How do we discover our specific appointment?
- Start with character – Before focusing on what you do, focus on who you’re becoming. The fruit of character always precedes the fruit of impact.
- Pay attention to your story – God often uses our past experiences—even painful ones—to shape our future purpose. Your wounds can become sources of wisdom and compassion for others.
- Notice what energizes you – What makes you come alive? What problems do you notice that others overlook? These can be clues to your specific calling.
- Listen to community – Sometimes others see gifts and callings in us before we recognize them ourselves. The body of Christ can help confirm and clarify our purpose.
- Start where you are – Purpose unfolds in the doing. Don’t wait for perfect clarity before taking action. Begin bearing fruit in your current context, and watch how God directs your path.
When Purpose Feels Elusive
Let’s be honest—there are seasons when our purpose feels unclear or our fruit seems minimal. During these times:
- Remember who chose you – Your purpose is ultimately about God’s plan, not your performance.
- Focus on faithfulness over results – We’re responsible for obedience; God is responsible for outcomes.
- Embrace seasons of preparation – Sometimes what feels like delay is actually development. The soil of your heart may be preparing for future fruitfulness.
- Look for small fruit – Not all fruit is dramatic or visible. A word of encouragement, a prayer offered, a moment of patience—these can be significant fruit in God’s economy.
Living with purpose doesn’t mean having everything figured out. It means moving forward with the confidence that your life matters, that your choices have eternal significance, and that the One who chose you is working through you.
The world measures success by wealth, status, or power. But Jesus offers a different metric: fruit that remains. When we align with His purpose, we discover that true fulfillment isn’t found in momentary achievements but in lasting impact that continues long after we’re gone.
Next week, we’ll explore “Chosen: Abiding” as we examine how staying connected to Christ (John 15:1-5) is the essential source of our fruitfulness. After all, branches don’t produce fruit by trying harder—they produce by staying connected to the vine.