Why did God create us? We all know the right answer. We are here for the sole purpose of glorifying God. Unfortunately, “to glorify God” has almost become a meaningless cliche.

How do we glorify God? I was surprised that I didn’t have a simple, practical answer to this question. Until I was given this verse…

“Herein is my Father glorified,
that ye bear much fruit;
so shall ye be my disciples.”
(John 15:8)

That’s it! That’s how I glorify God! By bearing much fruit.

Six Types of Fruit

1. Character: Who I am

“That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:10-11).

2. Conduct: What I do

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).

3. Contributions: What I give

“For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account” (Philippians 4:16-17).

4. Communication: What I say

“Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15).

5. Converts: Who I win

“For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth” (Colossians 1:6).

6. Children: Who I conceive

“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward” (Psalm 127:3).

The above outline is based on notes from a session with Bill Gothard.