Abiding...Remaining...Continuing...Persisting in Relationship

I was studying John 15 and was reminded that if I don’t see fruit in my life, it is because I am not abiding in Christ. The Word of the Lord says this:

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

In the John 15 passage, Christ repeatedly tells of the importance of abiding in Him. We thrive when we abide in Him. We glorify God when we abide in Him. We receive the things we desire from God when we abide in Him. Our obedience to the commands of God is a direct result of our abiding relationship. We have the joy of the Lord when we abide in Him. We have a godly love for one another when we abide.

Abiding involves a decision followed by activity. We abide in Christ by reading the Word, by praying, by sacrificing our will for His, and being aware of His presence with us at all times.

“It isn’t necessary that we stay in church in order to remain in God’s presence. We can make our hearts personal chapels where we can enter anytime to talk to God privately. These conversations can be so loving and gentle, and anyone can have them. Is there any reason not to begin? He may be waiting for us to take the first step. …Gradually train yourself to show you love for Him by asking for His grace. Offer your heart to Him at every moment. Don’t restrict your love of Him with rules or special devotions. Go out in faith, with love and humility.” – Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God

So, are you abiding? It should be easy to answer that question by assessing the amount of fruit in your life. Is it “much”? If not, dig back in to intimate relationship with the Lord—nurture your relationship—and you will see the fruit of that relationship begin to grow.