We can be productive only by remaining in close contact with Jesus. Without that contact, we're like lures that look nice but don't catch fish.

I love to fish! The memories I have as a boy fishing with my dad and my uncle are as special as the memories I have of my own children out in the boat or on the dock. About this time of year, my sons and I always seem to get the itch.

So that means it's time to open up the ol' tackle box and get it ready. Actually, it's just an excuse to reminisce and dream. When I pop open that tackle box lid, inside is a kaleidoscope of colors—lures of all shapes, colors, sizes, styles, and brands. Sad to say, lots of those have probably never caught a fish. Typically those are fancy lures that seemed like they couldn't miss in the sports shop, but they did a better job of catching my eye than of catching fish.

It's pretty easy to figure out which of my lures are the most productive. Just look at the ones with the most bite marks! Some have so many hits from fish that it's hard to tell their original color. My red and white Daredevil as well as my blue and silver Little Cleo are winners. I could tell you stories, but, for now, let's just say they are very productive.

While it's easy to see which fishing lures are productive, seeing productivity in our lives—especially our Christian lives—isn't always as easy. Jesus wanted his disciples to be productive and encouraged them to produce fruit. At one point Jesus reminded them that producing fruit—being productive—could only come from having a close relationship with him. He 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" (John 15:5).

That's not exactly a fishing image, but looking at those lures helps remind me that I can be productive only by remaining in close contact with Jesus. Without that connection, I'm like the lures that catch more attention in the store than they catch fish. And Jesus wants me and every other Christian to be productive: "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples" (John 15:8). Yes, he wants us to produce and not just look like we can be productive.

Each of us is offered countless opportunities to put our faith into action. Scripture teaches that the Lord loved us so much that he prepared these works in advance for us to do. They are there right in front of us in our local congregations and communities.