Alex was distressed over his constant failure to live the Christian life victoriously. "I'm always failing," he said. "I know what is right, but I'm simply not able to keep the many commitments, resolutions, and rededications that I make to the Lord almost daily. What's wrong with me? Why do I constantly fail? How can I push that magic button that will change my life and make me the kind of person God wants me to be, and the kind of person I want to be?"
All of us experience this conflict when we walk in our own strength. But the victory is ours as we learn to abide in Christ.
Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in Him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5) The reality of abiding in Christ and Christ abiding in us is made possible through a supernatural enabling of the Holy Spirit.
Abiding in Christ means to be one with Him by faith. It is to live in conscious dependence upon Him, recognizing that it is His life, His power, His wisdom, His strength, and His ability operating through us that enable us to live according to His will. We do this by surrendering the throne of our lives to Him, and by faith drawing upon His resources to live a supernatural, holy fruitful life.
The abiding life, we in Christ, He in us, enables us to live a victorious and fruitful life.
Millions of Christians throughout the world profess their love for Christ each week by attending church, singing songs, studying their Bibles, and attending prayer meetings. Yet, all the talk in the world will never convince anyone that you or I truly love the Lord unless we obey Him, and this includes bearing fruit for Him. The only way we can demonstrate that we are truly abiding in Him is to produce fruit, which involves introducing others to our Savior as well as living holy lives.
The abiding life also brings lasting joy. "I have told you this," Jesus said, "so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."
To live this joyful, abundant life, we must learn to live in Christ, constantly yielding total control of our lives to Him.
Is the abiding presence of Jesus Christ a reality in your life? As an expression of your will, in prayer, surrender the throne of your life to Him, and by faith, invite Him to endow you with supernatural life and enable you to bear much fruit for His glory.
Abiding is the key to the Christian experience by which the divine attributes are transplanted into human soil, to the transforming of character and conduct. - Norman B. Harrison.
What did you learn through these situations?
Read John 15:7-11
Adapted from The 10 Basic Steps Toward Christian Maturity, by Bill Bright, co-founder of Campus Crusade for Christ. © Cru. All rights reserved.
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