After one extraordinarily busy day, I stopped at well-known fast food outlet for dinner. Even though I could have gone home and made dinner, I stopped anyway.

Twenty minutes later I received my food. As soon as I opened the bag, I noticed something was wrong.

There was no aroma of hot, freshly made fries. I took a soggy fry out of the bag and it bent under the weight of overused grease. The hamburger bun was stale and hardened on the outside with wilted pickles and cold, burnt meat on the inside.

I was disappointed but I ate it anyway. And it was terrible.

The burger sat like a rock in my stomach. I regretted my decision to settle for mediocre leftovers instead of providing my body with food and the nutrition it craves.

It is the same way in my Christian life.

I often settle for the mediocrity of life rather than choosing the vibrant relationship Christ has to offer.

He is hungry for me to be a part of Him so He can enrich me with a fresh approach to faith daily. Without Him, I can accomplish tasks, but their long-term success and fruit will never really show.

Even the most fruitful Christian has moments of spiritual mediocrity.

Increase your fruitfulness.

Spend time daily in the Word.

Talk to God through the gift of prayer.

Then listen when He speaks.

Do this and remain in God and God remains in you.

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. John 15:5

by Michelle Lazurek