In part four of “Healthy Things Grow,” titled “Healthy Habits,” Senior Pastor Travis Tullis teaches from John 15:1–11 that spiritual growth begins by remaining connected to Jesus. Just as a branch receives life from the vine, believers must abide in Christ to become spiritually healthy and fruitful. This challenges us to ask: Are our habits helping us grow deeper in Christ?

Our faith is not simply about what we do for Jesus, but about our relationship with Jesus. As we surrender to Him, consistent obedience prepares us for extraordinary moments. In Acts 3:6, Peter’s response to the lame man demonstrated what can flow from a life connected to Christ. In the same way, time and experience in church alone do not produce fruitful character; rather, consistent spiritually healthy habits rooted in Christ shape who we become.

For example, prayer teaches us to depend on Jesus. Reading God’s Word renews our minds and helps us recognize Jesus’s voice. Worship reminds us that God remains worthy even when life is difficult. Biblical Christian fellowship provides accountability, while obedience puts God’s Word into action, and serving demonstrates Christ’s character to others. Through these practices, Jesus continually transforms us.

However, healthy habits are not a spiritual scorecard, nor do they earn us grace. We do the work because Jesus has already done the work for us. Therefore, when correction, change, or pruning comes, will we remain committed to God? Our habits should draw us closer to Jesus and produce Christlike character through the fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22–23.

The branches and assignments may change, but the Vine remains the same. There is no spiritual growth without surrender.

Thank you, Senior Pastor Tullis, for leading us forward and higher together and reminding us to be fruitful image bearers through pure hearts, healthy relationships, renewed minds, and healthy habits.