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 NIV).

Early one morning, dressing for school as a first -grader, I stepped into my favorite dress, mint green with a bodice that laced up the front. I asked my mother to button me up. The dress reminded me of the dress Heidi wore where she was pictured on the front of the book of the same name, standing on the slopes of the Alps with a contented smile on her face.

When my mother began to button me up, she said, “Shirley, you have to choose a different dress. This one is too small for you. You’ve grown out of it.” My favorite dress. Too small? I loved that dress! And right then, I had a fit. I cried and stomped into my room to change. It was as though someone else had entered into my body and me—Shirley—couldn’t control it. My wise mother let me have my tantrum and waited for me to choose another dress—which I did. As I walked the few short blocks to my school, I wiped away angry tears.

As the day dragged on, I began to feel very sad at my earlier behavior. I knew I’d responded wrong. I had sinned! What made me feel that guilt? The Holy Spirit living within me chided my spirit. It wasn’t any scolding from my mother. Just a quiet reminder of whom I belonged to—Jesus. He was like a coach, reminding me of what I did wrong. 

At school day’s end, I trudged home, ashamed of my behavior. My mama greeted me when I came home and I confessed, “Mama, I’m sorry I had a fit.” Did she scold me some more for my poor actions earlier in the day? Not at all! Instead, she took me into her arms and hugged me. She was that example of Jesus with that forgiveness and hug. 

That’s what our Savior, does to us when we confess our wrongdoing. And you know what? Whenever I try to do things right on my own emotions and self-control, I run into trouble. You see, on my own goodness, I can’t do anything. I am imperfect! Instead of trying to be good–as I was in the little girl body–I have to put on His righteousness. I can’t be good on my own. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort (Philippians 3:3 NLT).

“Lord Jesus, I know on my own effort, I will fail every time. It’s when I rely on You, put on Your righteousness, that I can function. Thank You for Your promise that when we remain in You, we will bear much fruit. Without You, I can do nothing.”

Get these Blog posts emailed directly to you.