ABIDE!
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 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. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples” (John 15:1-8).
Count’em: 7 times in 8 verses the word ABIDE is spoken by Jesus (the true Vine). Jesus is making a point with those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ! The word ABIDE means to dwell, remain, belong, be present. Abiding in Christ will ALWAYS, yes, ALWAYS result in much fruit. This fruit is described in Galatians 5:22-23 “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. In a word: fruit is Christ-likeness! And in verses 23 & 24 Paul goes on to tell us: “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
When we abide (remain) in the Spirit, we will look and act different than the world around us. ”Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).. This renewing of the mind will only take place as we abide in Christ, allowing the Holy Spirit to produce in us His fruit - Christ-likeness.
Picture this: a tea bag abiding (dwelling) in a cup of water over a period of time. The result: the water looks and tastes different. The same is true of the person who abides in Christ, they will look and act different than they did before Christ became a part of their life. And the one thing that will become obvious: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Think about i!.
An Integrity Hockey Stop N Think – 4.12.2024