Sociologists observe that we have four zones of personal space. We have public distance which is greater than 12 feet. That’s for the students who sit in the back of the class. We have social distance of four to twelve feet. That is for formal situations. Next we have personal distance of 18 inches to 4 feet. That is for normal conversations. When we want to tell a secret we lean in closer, moving into intimate space which is less than 18 inches.
In John 15 Jesus and His disciples were making their way to the Garden of Gethsemane. A horror awaited them in the darkness of evil. But, on their way Jesus paused by a stone wall and picked up a grape vine and said, “I am the vine and you are the branches.” He went on to say in verse 5, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; . .” Please note the intimacy. He longs for a deep relationship with us. He wants us so close that He resides in us. And if we allow it we will bear much fruit.
I used to think “much fruit” meant bringing thousands of people to Jesus. Now I better understand. He was speaking of being like Him; bearing the fruits of the Spirit. In Galatians 5 Paul lists them for us. They are love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. If we manifest such a life we are having a “much fruit” experience. It might be a bit overwhelming to think we could live like this. However, in Matthew 19:26 Jesus said, “All things are possible with God.” He is an intimate God.
Written by Roger Bothwell on February 12, 2014
Spring of Life, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org