Know, Grow, Show. Reflections From John 15Sample

  DAY 10 - WHAT DOES NOT ABIDING LOOK LIKE?

 Verse 6 - " If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned."

Remember Jesus is addressing His disciples. He is not talking to the crowd. These are His last instructions to them for how they are to live henceforth. He is using a lot of repetition, comparison, and analogies.

“If you do not remain, you are like” This is a comparative statement. He is telling them what their life will look like if they do not stay in constant commune with Him. To say that that will happen to them would be a contradiction to the covenant He has made with them. 

He is merely saying do not think you can live this life apart from being closely connected to me. If you do that you will be like that withered branch that is useless and fruitless.

Sometimes just because we are in a certain environment it does not mean we have absorbed the essence of that environment. I may pick up some externals but not truly be a part of that culture. This can happen to us when we are not all in. 

Another thing that can happen is we allow other things to grab our attention and sap our energy. For example, living to please me, distracted by other commitments, religious duty, not committed to things that matter to Jesus viz: Time with Him, how we interact with our family, our personal private holiness, our love quotient for other Christians, our diligence at work, faithful in giving and serving.

We live in this world but we are not of it. Jesus is not a killjoy. He wants us to have an abundant life. However, He does not want possessions to possess us.

Hindrances to abiding

The bible will keep you from sin and sin will keep you from the bible.

Anxiety and fear cloud our thinking and clogs our hearts. Fear and love cannot co-exist. His perfect love will drive away fear and anxiety.

When we are able to fix our mind on Him, He gives us his perfect peace. Do you know what that is? It is himself – his presence. Peace is a person. Jesus is the prince of peace.

Unforgiveness and offense – This not only builds walls towards the people you are offended with, but it also affect your relationship with God. We cannot love God and hate our brother. If I dismember myself from one part of the body, I also disengage with the Head i.e Jesus.

We will talk more about our horizontal relationship with people over the next few days.

REFLECT AND ASK YOURSELF| 

If you have been struggling to see spiritual progress or growth, think about your habits or lifestyle. Is there anything there that can be a hindrance?

Do I have blockages in my heart because of habitual sin, unresolved conflict, forgiveness, or offense? Quickly repent and resolve to turn away from the sin that is hindering your walk with God. Find a trustworthy Christian friend to talk to and be accountable to.

Unforgiveness is deadly, literally. Resolve to forgive the person and not expect an apology. When you release them, you set yourself free.