Come and SeeEsimerkki

What does it mean to be a Christian? Is it good works, family history, or church attendance? Is it merely a box to check off or a title we label ourselves with? Or can it be slipped on and off based on our feelings? Describing the Christian life can result in many colorful viewpoints. However, the words of the Founder are clear: “Abide in Me.” True disciples remain planted in Christ. From death in our sins, we are grafted into Christ and made alive in Him. Going so much deeper than head knowledge or religious tradition, abiding is remaining constantly connected to our life source. A branch has no life if it breaks away from the vine, and we have no life apart from Him. Busyness, selfishness, and unbelief become worldly thorns that choke people in distractions and disobedience. Sadly, God’s gracious invitation for relationship is often met with faint recognition, indifference, or even hate. However, a true disciple should be obvious. We remain grounded through the Word of God which keeps us growing and rooted in our faith. And flowing continuously through unbroken friendship, we pray His will, and He pours out His love. Many may identify with Christ, but this is how we know if we are truly abiding: We produce lasting fruit. The natural outcome of union with Christ is reproducing His character to a hostile world. Jesus walked in sacrificial love, overflowing joy, and loving obedience to His Father. The closer we are to Him, the more we will live the way He did. The fruit of His Spirit will beautifully overflow from Him, through us, and onto others. It’s not something that we have to strive for. In fact, it’s impossible to produce on our own. Only through intimacy with Jesus, do we grow this fruit that looks like Him. Apart from Christ, we’re only dead branches clinging to temporary idols, unable to produce anything of eternal significance. But a true Christian abides daily in Him, and only through Him are we capable of fruit that will last forever. DAILY READING Read John 15 CHRISTMAS CONNECTION One of the biggest hindrances to abiding is distractions, and there are a lot of them at Christmas! Set aside intentional time every day to worship, pray, and study Him. Doing this near a Christmas tree will be a festive reminder to stay connected to the vine.