Transformed by Truthنموونە

The Truth About Abiding in Christ

The definition of the word abide is “to accept or act in accordance with." In order to act in accordance with something, you have to focus on it. Where your focus lies will determine the thoughts you entertain, and those thoughts will influence the decisions you make. Therefore, in order to abide in Christ, it is imperative that you keep your focus on him above all else.

As Christians, we are in constant spiritual warfare with the enemy, even when we don’t realize it. Satan knows exactly how to plant seeds of doubt in our minds that distract us from the truth, leaving us more vulnerable to our temptations. Have you ever noticed how when you tell a little kid they aren’t allowed to do something, they typically can’t seem to get that thing out of their head and eventually just have to do it? The same thing can happen to us. When we put so much focus on the things we know we aren’t supposed to do, we can lose sight of why we shouldn’t do those things, and end up doing them anyway! So rather than focusing all of our energy on conquering our sins, we should abide in the vine and allow him to transform the fruit that we produce. Jesus promises that if you walk by the Spirit, you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16)

To bear the fruits of the Spirit in your life, you have to put Jesus first! If you try to live righteously all on your own, you will risk missing out on the amazing relationship with the Lord that he has for you. One that is free of the shame and frustration that comes from trying to reap eternal life by ineffectively sowing to your own flesh. (Galatians 6:8)

Bottom Line: In order for the branch to bear fruit, it must stay connected to the vine. Remember that Jesus is the source of all love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Challenge: Read all of 2 Peter 1:3-11. Give thanks to God for “his divine power has granted us all things that pertain to life and godliness."