Abide

I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

John 15:5

This beautiful word, "ABIDE," in the context of this passage, is a word of action of no specific duration. To abide is necessary, and it is to be done vigorously.

More often, this word is translated as remain, but abide, to me, connotes something much deeper. Abide is a quietly powerful word that bridges deep endurance with a gentle belonging—a choice to stay or dwell. The Message paraphrases it variously as "live in me," "make your home in me," or "be joined with me."

Abiding is a way of life. It is deep, patient, and unwavering. At its core, even though it involves continual action, it is variously the language of staying put, of continuing in place. We are to stay continuously connected to the vine: resting, drawing strength from the firm foundation of Christ. Be so rooted that we are impossible to dig out. Like roots seeking water and nourishment that go deep, we are to be so at home in Christ that we instinctively turn to him in every moment of every day, so seeking is our heart for him. Abiding is an invitation to stop rushing, plant our feet, and remain present.

This “active resting” state of abiding is obedience. John says in verse 10 of this same chapter, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” Abiding is not something that is a completed work. It is the heart journey of dwelling with Jesus—learning the obedience he teaches us through His word and through his Spirit at work in us, prompting repentance—because we long to remain/abide in His love. Obedience is a loving union, a continuing communication. It is a grace-driven effort. This journey is all accomplished through his grace—grace to desire the journey, grace to continue.

In the 1991 movie, City Slickers, Curly—the old and allegedly wise cowboy—delivers his famous line regarding the secret of life: He says, “One Thing. Just one thing. You stick to that, and the rest don’t mean nothin’” (paraphrase). When he is asked what that one thing is, Curly replies, “That’s what you have to find out.”

Abiding in Christ IS that one thing. It is the will of God that we believe in Jesus. Jesus is the wisdom of God. Making our home in Jesus, pursuing life and obedience in Him IS the will of God for us. It is that ONE THING.

I have not yet mentioned the fruit that is produced through abiding. That is because I don't think that is where our effort lies. Our focus is to be on this one thing: To make our home in Him—to dwell once again in Eden, walking with God in the fullness of relational trust, companionship, and obedience. We are to tend the garden (our connectedness to Him) through His grace, and much fruit will be the outcome. Fruit bearing is the product of the lived-out journey of dwelling in the heart of Jesus through obedience. Fruit that lasts is that which strengthens and prospers the church and its thriving in our home, our community, and in the world.

Continue the Journey. Love the Journey. Choose to dwell in His love.