Abide | Part 1 of 8
Abide: Learning to Live in Christ | Part 1 of 8
About this series
For years, I’ve read phrases like “abide in Me,” “remain in Christ,” and “in Him.” I believed them, but if I’m honest, I wasn’t always sure what they looked like on an ordinary Tuesday. This series isn’t written by someone who’s mastered abiding. It’s written by a fellow traveler who has become convinced that Jesus offers something deeper than simply trying harder. Together, let’s open God’s Word and discover what it really means to live in Christ.
Scripture: John 15:1-11
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to turn your relationship with Jesus into a checklist?
Read your Bible. Pray. Go to church. Serve. Give. Share your faith.
None of those things are bad. In fact, they’re all good. But somewhere along the way, I started believing that the more boxes I checked, the closer I’d become to Jesus.
Then I read John 15 again.
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”
John 15:4
Jesus didn’t say, “Work harder.” He didn’t say, “Do more.” He didn’t even say, “Produce more fruit.” He simply said, “Abide in Me.”
That word abide means to remain, to stay, to dwell. It’s the picture of a branch staying connected to the vine. The branch doesn’t wake up every morning determined to produce grapes. It simply stays connected. The fruit comes naturally because of its connection to the vine. I wonder how many times I’ve reversed that order. I’ve focused on producing fruit instead of staying connected to the One who produces it.
Maybe you’ve been there too.
We measure our spiritual lives by how much we accomplish, while Jesus measures them by whether we’re remaining in Him. I’m beginning to think abiding is less about adding another spiritual discipline and more about changing where my heart rests.
It’s starting my day by remembering that apart from Jesus, I can’t become the husband, father, friend, or leader He’s calling me to be.
It’s pausing before a difficult conversation to whisper, “Lord, I need You.”
It’s recognizing that my strength, wisdom, patience, and love aren’t things I manufacture – they’re fruit that grows as I stay connected to Christ.
That’s a very different way of living. And if I’m honest… it’s one I’m still learning.
Sit With This
Where have you been measuring your walk with Jesus by what you’re doing for Him instead of how closely you’re walking with Him?
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for inviting me into something deeper than simply trying harder. Teach me what it means to abide in You. Help me stay close to You today and trust that You’ll produce the fruit only You can. Amen.
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