The fruits of abiding
To abide in Jesus is not a suggestion. He was clear when he said, “apart from me; you can do nothing.” If we want the abundant life he promised and experience his transforming grace, we must learn to abide in him.
The word “abide” comes from the Greek “menō,” which translates to remain, stay, and reside. To abide in Christ is the choice to accept his word and to let him direct our lives. It is cultivating a daily habit of being aware of the Holy Spirit, letting him remind us of God’s word and commandments. He is our helper, our guide, and our strength. 19th-century pastor Charles Spurgeon once said, “Acceptance leads to abiding.” In other words, your willingness to yield and be conformed to the image of Jesus determines your capacity to abide in him.
It is through the practice of prayer that we learn to abide in Christ. When we pray, our hearts become acquainted with his presence and character. Prayer has many forms, but it is most importantly about beholding Jesus, growing in the knowledge of who he is, and asking to receive his wisdom for our daily lives. Our dependence on God is revealed through our prayer life, which will indefinitely cause us to bear fruit.
A life vigorous enough to bear fruit, much fruit, is the condition and source of prayer.
Fruit is the evidence of righteousness working in us, where we no longer nurture the desires of our flesh but practice the fruits of the Spirit. Prayer changes us and recalibrates our affections and our wills. His light and grace liberates and sanctifies us from anything opposing the divinity of Jesus. Jesus prayed for our sanctification to bring glory to the Father. (Joh. 17:17) It’s a sacrifice and pleasing aroma rising to the throne of God.
To be sanctified means to be “set apart,” to put on the mind of Christ, to live like Christ. Our sanctification is a lifelong process that counteracts our sinful habits with the attributes of Jesus. For some, it might feel weighty, but it is not burdensome for those who are led by the Spirit of God. They understand that living in the flesh only leads to miseries and vexations. They have found peace by walking in the ways of the Spirit and are purified by obeying the truth.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Our sanctification depends on the measure of our willingness to abide in Jesus. A principle I experienced first hand. It is easy to ride along with religious activities. Attending Sunday services, thinking they would somehow make us more righteous. It is misleading to believe this to be true. It wasn’t until I established a daily habit of searching God in the scriptures myself that I started to see the fruit of sanctification in my life. My weak consciousness began to be strengthened, and I came to the sobering awareness of sin in my life in light of God's goodness and mercy. I experienced his power like never before, simply because I diligently showed up, gave my time, and asked for wisdom.
Abide in him and accept his wisdom to direct your ways. In him, you will find strength and counsel. If you find yourself in overwhelming situations or disappointments, it is a perfect opportunity to practice abiding in him. Pour your heart before his throne as Hannah did. (1 Sam 1:15-16) and rest in the assurance that he will hear you and lead you to a life of abundant fruit.
Abiding in Jesus has changed my life. I know it will change yours too.