Abiding in Christ means allowing his Word to fill our minds, direct our wills, and transform our affections. The word “abide” is used ten times in the first ten verses of John 15. Looking at the Greek roots of the word, we discover that it means to “dwell,” “remain,” “be present,” and to “be held and kept.” Abiding addresses our posture and place. Where are we in proximity to Christ? Abiding is not about our efforts; instead, it draws our attention to Christ. Remember, our salvation has everything to do with what Christ did for us, not the other way around. We are held and kept in his peace and promises so we can enjoy his deep rest.

When we abide in Christ, our hearts are cultivated for growth. I have a friend who owns a lavender field in Wisconsin. This was something she started a few years ago and I reached out to ask her about it as well as congratulate her for this new endeavor. She responded by reminding me that gardeners have a vision. They understand that things take time, takes care, and takes hard work. They also understand and can see that it will indeed produce an amazing harvest that everyone around can appreciate and enjoy. Not only do passers-by enjoy the sights and smells of her field, those who purchase the lavender will enjoy it at home. If we take this one step further, there are those who will give the lavender away as a gift, sharing this beauty and fragrance so the person receiving it has a moment of love in their lives. That’s just like us as believers. Jesus is the ultimate gardener, knowing when to dig, where to dig, and how to dig into our hearts so that we can produce kingdom fruit that shares the fragrance and beauty of Christ with those around us, declaring his name and his glory. 

While abiding is part of being, there is a practical part in doing. Successful relationships of any kind are produced by a series of intentional choices and that is just as true for our ability to abide in Christ. Abiding first starts with faith. One must actually have faith that Jesus is indeed who he says he is and that he is worth following. Once faith is established, trust and submission follow. We believe, therefore we trust and obey. This births the desire of abiding – we hunger and thirst for more of Christ, so we utilize spiritual habits to draw us into his presence in order to be transformed by this amazing Gardener. He patiently sees the soil that needs tilling, the plants that need pruning, and the fruit that will be flourishing. 

The most amazing part of all of this is that Jesus invites us to abide. He wants us in his presence. Grab onto this invitation! Find a way to make prayer and Bible reading a priority each day. Make the decision to lean into the joy that comes through the spiritual disciplines of church and service. God is faithful to prune in order to build up and the result is a life of love and peace, even when life is hard. Come. He is calling you just as you are. What an amazing God of love we serve!