False Vine and Worldly Pleasures

What would happen if petrol is put into a diesel car? What would happen if you plug in a 110-volts hair dryer into a 220-volt power socket? Imagine, what will happen if you stand under a shower and open hot water instead of cold? We know the obvious consequences – the car engine would be totally destroyed; the hair dryer will burn and we would be scalded under the shower. When we are aware of the damage that can happen with a mismatch of fuel, voltage or temperature, why are we ignorant about the dangers to our souls when we drink at wrong places to satisfy out deep thirsts?

Jesus said, “I am the true vine . . .” A grape vine is symbolic of a deep, abiding relationship, nourishment and bearing fruit (John 15:1-8). Jesus is the true vine and if we as branches of that vine abide in Him, we can sup (draw strength) in Him and bear fruit of good attitudes and works that will bless people and glorify God.  Just as Jesus is the true vine there are many false vines that are constantly trying to seduce us to abide in them. These can only bring a total disaster in our lives and a destruction of our souls.

As children of God and believers in Christ, we are asked to abide in Him. We are designed only for the true living God who revealed Himself in Christ and therefore we cannot find satisfaction or fulfilment anywhere else except in Him (John 7:37). But we think abiding in Him means that we go to Him with a shopping list full of faithinstead of an intense desire to know Him deeply and enjoy Him whole-heartedly. No wonder, we come away disappointed because our demands are not fulfilled. So, we think we must find other ways to satisfy our cravings. We pay a lip service to God on Sundays and live our own lives the rest of the time (Jer. 2:11-13).

What are the false vines we plug into thinking that they will satisfy the longings of our souls? There are three things that tug at our heart: material things without God, popularity without God and power without God (Matt. 4:3-11). We have an insatiable appetite for good things of life – exotic food, fashionable clothing, glittering jewellery, latest electronic gadgets, expensive cars, luxurious houses and picture-perfect holidays. Every one of these things is not wrong in itself but the kingdom of God is not marked by these things. Paul writing to Romans said, “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (14:17).” Look at what happens when we pursue food and drink without God: “. . . and the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play (Ex. 32:1-6).” Jesus powerfully brings home the point in Mark 8:36; “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul.” When we pursue material things, we are sure to move away from God (James 4:4). But when we pursue God and His righteousness, we will have what we need and more with peace and joy (Matt. 6:33).

Secondly, and usually after we have amassed material things, we still feel empty. Then we are deceived into thinking that we will be happy if we can gain popularity – praise of men, pleasure of women and recognition of people. Popularity without God is another mirage. Those who begin to chase popularity without God begin to use their money, material things and talents for the gain of popularity among men. King Saul felt miserable when he heard the women say, “Saul has killed his thousands but David his ten thousand (1 Samuel 18:7).” James and John asked for places on the right and the left when Jesus would come in glory. Jesus had to sober them down. He asked all His disciples to learn to be servants first (John 13).At another time he pointed them to pharisees and asked them not to do stuff to seek the praise of men (Matt. 6:5).

Thirdly, we are tempted to become powerful without God. By now people would have money and popularity but their souls are not satisfied. They will use their money, material things, and popularity to gain power over people. They think that power will protect them, they can use power to control others and finally they will use all that they have to gain such power. Although King Saul was made powerful as a king by God Himself, he lost his power as he erroneously thought that political power and military might will keep his kingdom safe. David waited to receive power from God and did not take things into his hands. Joseph saw that the power given to him was given by God and to save many but not apart from God and for selfish satisfaction. 

What are the things that you are drawn away by and from God? Reflect on your preoccupations? If you are thinking about money and material things all the time then you are wanting possessions without God. If you are constantly trying to please people and gain their approval you may be in danger of displeasing God. If you are pursuing power, then it is sure to take you away from God and it is bound to corrupt you. You heard it said, “Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely.” But even more a greater danger is when we become proud with power, God Himself will resist us (James 4:6). 

There are obvious places where people go to satisfy their lusts: to a Casino, lottery, business with questionable, corrupt practices for the sake of quick money; find pleasures in drinks, drugs and sex; to colleagues, friends, associates and others for popularity; and in our spheres of influence for power. But I believe that those of you who have been spiritual, mature in Christ, and in ministry may also be connected to false vines. Look at how Paul Tripp puts it so well in his book, New Morning Mercies:

• “A focus on material things can masquerade as good stewardship of your possessions.

• Loving personal control can masquerade as using God - giving leadership gifts. 

• Anger can masquerade as having a heart for what is right.

• Self - righteous legalism can masquerade as loving God’s law.

• Building your own ministry empire can masquerade as a commitment to the expansion of God’s kingdom.

• Fear of men can masquerade as a sensitive heart toward the needs of others.

• Selfish attention seeking can masquerade as being candid about your needs.

• Judgement and criticism can masquerade as a commitment to honesty.

• Theological pride can masquerade as a commitment to God’s truth. 

• A craving to be known and respected can masquerade as a commitment to ministry.

• Bondage to the opinions of others can masquerade as a commitment to community. 

• Lust can masquerade as a celebration of the beauty of God’s creation.

• Gossip can masquerade as a prayerful concern for others.”

You are made for the True Vine, not the False one that is deceptive. When we are plugged into a false vine, we not only seek illegitimate pleasures but we deceive ourselves by seeking good things with a wrong motive - to satisfy our pleasures without God. What we then bear is a fruit of pain, disappointment and regret. But when we seek His rule and His righteousness (Christ), all good things will be given to us as needed for His kingdom and the saving of many. The fruit will be love, joy, peace, patience and kindness.