Learning to Abide in Christ

Several years ago, I met a Christian man who owned a used car dealership. He was successful, but one night as we talked about faith, he admitted something I’ll never forget: “I don’t have time to think about Jesus, all I can think about is cars.” What started as owning a business had turned into the business owning him. His walk with Christ was being suffocated by distractions and demands.

Maybe you can relate. For some of us it’s work, for others it’s family responsibilities, financial stress, school, or even the endless scrolling of social media. None of those things are bad in themselves—many are gifts from God—but they can become obstacles if they crowd out time with Jesus. That’s why in John 15, Jesus calls His disciples to something essential: daily abiding in Him.

The Vine, the Branches, and the Gardener

In one of His most vivid metaphors, Jesus calls Himself “the true vine.” We are the branches, and God the Father is the gardener. A branch only has life when it stays connected to the vine. In the same way, you and I can only have spiritual life when we remain in Christ.

The gardener’s role is twofold: He removes dead branches that bear no fruit and He prunes fruitful branches so they will produce even more. God prunes us through His Word and through life’s circumstances. It’s not always comfortable, but pruning leads to growth.

The purpose of the vine and branches is simple: fruit. And when we stay connected to Christ, our lives will bear fruit that reflects His love and character.

What Happens When We Abide in Christ

1. We realize we can do nothing without Him. Apart from Jesus, we are like a lamp unplugged from the wall—no power, no light, no life (John 15:5).

2. We are delivered from judgment. Branches that wither and bear no fruit are cast away, but those who remain in Christ are secure in Him (v.6).

3. Our prayers are answered. When our desires align with His, we can pray boldly, knowing He will hear and respond (v.7).

4. We show that we are His disciples. Abiding is the evidence that we truly belong to Jesus (v.8).

5. We are motivated by His love. Jesus reminds us, “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (v.16). We obey not to earn His love but because He already loves us.

6. We keep His commands. Abiding is active, not passive. Each day, we choose to walk in obedience, empowered by the Spirit (v.10).

7. We receive joy. Jesus promises that abiding in Him will fill our hearts with lasting joy (v.11).

8. We have friendship with Jesus. No longer servants, we are called friends, brought into His inner circle (vv.13–15).

9. We bear fruit. A life connected to Christ produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22–23).

   
   

How Do We Abide?

Jesus calls us to “remain” in Him—a daily, personal relationship marked by trust, prayer, obedience, and joy. One way to do this is through spiritual disciplines. Think of them as a rope stretched from the barn to the back door during a blizzard: they help us find our way home.

Daily Bible reading, prayer, fasting, and gathering with God’s people are practical ways to remain in Christ. Even a simple seven-minute daily rhythm—listening to God in Scripture and responding in prayer—can reshape your spiritual life.

George Müller, after decades of following Jesus, said: “The first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day is to have my soul happy in the Lord.” That’s what it means to abide.

Stay Connected to the Vine

Life is full of demands and distractions. But the greatest danger isn’t being busy—it’s being disconnected from Christ. Jesus calls us to stay rooted in Him, to let His life flow through us, and to bear fruit that lasts.

Will you choose this week to abide in Him?