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I am expected to bear fruit- it's part of who I am. I think we sort of see bearing fruit as an option- like only the really crazy evangelistic sorts are really expected to bear fruit. But we all are. We should be making disciples. People should follow us as we follow Christ. This is comforting though as well- I can't make it happen on my own (whew). Fruit is only produced if I am properly connected to the giver of life. I love how this version says, "Remain in Me." I have to stay in God. IN. Connected. Attached. Stay right on His heels! I laugh at my little boy and call him my little shadow. I can't leave thew room without him following me. I have to practically sneak away and get in stealth mode just to go pee! When he follows me, he's not a "safe distance" behind me either. He's right in my heels. Yes, I even trip over him daily. But he just wants to be with me. He's his momma's boy! He doesn't feel obligated to follow- he just loves being with me. And he'll say things I say. He correct our dog the way I correct him. When he plays in the tub, he says things I do. He can't help it- he's always around me. This is being a disciple. Always being around someone and becoming what they are. Copying everything they say. Staying right on their heels. I didn't beg my boy to mimic me. I didn't pay him off or bribe him to copy me. I don't punish him when he doesn't. He doesn't even know he does it, I bet. He just can't help it. He's practically attached to me so he's picked up who and how I am. Being connected is what produces the fruit. When I connect to God, I take on His attributes, I love what He loves, I hate what He hates. I want His desires. I love people the way He does. By remaining IN Him, I become like Him therefore I'm passionate about what He's passionate - making disciples. It's not a duty. It's a habit.