Restoring Eden: How to Grow Spiritually Without Growing WearySample

Abide, Don’t Strive

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking spiritual growth is about doing more. We read more, serve more, attend more, and try to prove that we’re “good Christians.” But Jesus offers us a simpler, more freeing way: abide.

In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.” (ESV) Notice that Jesus doesn’t command us to hustle harder. He calls us to stay connected—to abide.

Think about it: a branch doesn’t strain to bear fruit. Its one job is to remain attached to the vine. The vine provides the nutrients, strength, and life that naturally lead to fruitfulness. When we stay connected to Jesus—through prayer, Scripture, worship, and surrender—fruit grows as an overflow of that relationship.

Yet too often, we get distracted by self-reliance. We start thinking it’s our job to produce results. Jesus lovingly reminds us: “Apart from me you can do nothing.” Not less—nothing.

There is peace in knowing your spiritual growth isn’t dependent on your effort. It flows from your connection to Jesus. When you surrender the need to perform, you can rest in His love, and fruit will follow.

So today, release the striving. Choose instead to abide. Stay close to Jesus. Trust the Vine to supply what you cannot and watch Him grow a life of lasting fruit through you.

Reflection: Where are you striving instead of abiding? How can you intentionally stay connected to Jesus today?