By: Joseph Nader
Pastor, Weatherford FUMC
North District
"Abide in me, and I will abide in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must abide in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in me." John 15:4
Sometimes the spiritual life seems like a merry-go-round of being reminded over and over again about the truth of the matter. Because, regardless of how much time I spend learning lessons of the abiding life, and recognize the simplicity of Jesus' teaching that our main call is to simply remain in Him, I can tend to overcomplicate the spiritual life. How often do we get wrapped up in thinking we must prove ourselves to God and others? How often do we work to produce fruit that proves we have it all together, or we live a holy life that we want others (and God) to celebrate? Yet Jesus' words are clear, "No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must abide in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in me."
It seems so counterintuitive. The way to be most effective for the Kingdom of God is to focus on abiding in Christ. The way we "do" more is by clinging to Jesus. There's nothing to prove but our steadfast commitment to Him. I'm sure that I will be on this merry-go-round of learning and re-learning for the rest of my life, but today I'm thankful for the reminder that Jesus' call is simple: "Abide in me, and I will abide in you.”
Prayer: Lord, we want to bear fruit for the sake of Your Kingdom. Help us not to abide in You so that we can have all we need to reach the world around us.
February 19th, 2021 – Waco, TX – 9:00-3:30
REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT:
www.ctcumc.org/ES22-registration