John 15 has been a place of meditation for weeks.  I have read, pondered and thought about things that I never remember delighting in before.  Thinking about the Father Farmer placing us in union with Himself through Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit producing the fruit of God's character is too amazing for words!  Rejoicing that He removes all that robs us of real life in Him is the only rational response.  There is a dark side to this study however...one that I have not addressed in the pulpit.  The dark side is the impressive nature of fake fruit.  Have you seen some of that stuff at World Market and Hobby Lobby?  It almost makes my mouth water to look at it but it is plastic, fake, imitation fruit that a machine has squirted out by the hundreds.  People can make fruit with the appearance of life but it is not alive.  It does not produce more life.  It does not satisfy one's appetite or tickle the taste buds.  It is all for display, for show and for decoration.  I wonder about the fruit of the Spirit and the fruit of Christ and our reflection of God's nature.  Is it real?  Is it fruit that remains?  Is there fruit in the tough seasons as well as the good ones?  The real fruit comes from the real vine.  It takes time, cultivation and cooperation.  It is not for show, display or decoration but for the pleasure of the Father and the good of His people.  Fake fruit may be impressive but it is not from that which is alive nor is it life-giving.  Let's see to it that we abide in the Vine and allow Him to produce the real thing.