I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. apart from me you can do nothing.
- John 15:5
This passage gives us a beautiful picture of the relationship between a vine and its branches. When the branches are attached to the vine, the vine gives them life and the ability to bear fruit. If they were separated from it, they would wither and die, unable to bear fruit. They would be able to do nothing without the vine.
Just like this illustration, we (the branches) are called to abide in Christ (the vine) and bear much fruit. When we remain in Jesus and he in us, he is able to work in and through us to bear fruit. But if we live apart from him, as John 15:5 says, we can do NOTHING of eternal significance.
In this season, as we approach a new year, it is a perfect time to take the challenge of abiding in Jesus. Don’t feel guilty slowing down. Don’t feel guilty simplifying life. Don’t feel guilty learning the secret of being content in any and every situation. Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy each moment. We can abide in him by spending time reading his Word, praying to him, and listening to him. When we find our identity in him and him alone, he will bear spiritual fruit in and through us.
Fighting to Abide,
Shawn Ammons
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