The Dash Between the Dates – Greg Laurie Devotion – May 08, 2026

Biblical Context

The Gospel of John, written by John, one of Jesus’ closest followers, tells us more about Jesus’ identity and mission. John’s account is unique; it focuses heavily on Jesus’ discussions with His disciples, especially during His final days before the crucifixion. Chapter 15, where our verse comes from, is part of Jesus’ last major discourse with His disciples, often called the Farewell Discourse. He’s getting them ready for His departure and explaining what it means to follow Him and live for God after He’s gone. He uses the powerful image of a vine and branches to explain how important it is to stay connected to Him to live a life that really means something. He wants them to get it: living for Him means being fruitful.

Key Word Study

Let’s look at the word “fruit” from John 15:8. In the original Greek, the word is καρπός (karpos).

This word isn’t just about literal fruit from a plant. In the Bible, karpos often refers to the outcome, the result, or the product of something. When Jesus talks about believers producing “much fruit,” He’s talking about the results of a life lived in union with Him. It means the good things that come from our relationship with God—things like changed lives, acts of kindness, spreading the Good News, and showing the character of God (like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, as listed in Galatians 5:22-23). It’s about how your life affects others and honors God.

The Dash: Your Life in Between

Think about a headstone. It’s a stone that marks where someone is buried. But it also serves as a very quick summary of their life. You’ll see a name like John Doe, then dates, like May 29, 1946 – October 15, 2025, and often a few words, “beloved son, husband, and father.”

What’s really interesting is that tiny mark on the headstone – the dash between the date of birth and the date of death. That dash, that little line, shows what really matters most. It’s the whole of your days, my days, everyone’s days.

We don’t get to choose how long we stay here on earth. We might try everything to stretch it out. You might follow every healthy new thing online, take all the expensive supplements, or constantly worry about doing everything perfectly for your health. But Jesus asked a simple question in Matthew 6:27, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (nlt). The answer is no, you can’t.

God decides how long we live. He made the choice when you were born, and He’ll make the choice when we will die. We have nothing to say about those specific dates. But you get to say everything about that dash in the middle.

That dash is every choice you make, every path you take, every thing you put first, every time you talk to someone, and every way you use the gifts and abilities God gave you. That dash is how you use the days God has so freely given you. More than that, it shows whether you’re chasing God’s plans or your own.

Living for God’s Pleasure and Purpose

The Bible tells us we’re all here on earth to bring glory and honor to God and to produce spiritual fruit in our lives. It’s a big deal that after this life, when believers are all together in Heaven forever, we’ll be singing this song: “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased” (Revelation 4:11 nlt).

You exist because God wanted you to. Jesus made it even clearer when He said, “You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name” (John 15:16 nlt). He also said, “When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father” (John 15:8 nlt).

Making Your Dash Count for God’s Glory

So, when it all comes down to it, your dash is your chance to produce as much spiritual fruit and use as many spiritual chances as you possibly can. This isn’t for your glory, but for God’s.

What does that look like day-to-day?

• It means putting your precious time into His Word—studying it, memorizing it, and helping other people understand it.
• It means looking for times to share your faith and getting yourself ready to use those chances when they come.
• It means staying close to the Lord through prayer—asking for His will, giving Him your worries, and listening for Him to guide you.

Your dash is a gift from God. Don’t waste it. Make the most of every single moment.

How can you make the most of your dash? Think about that today.