Abiding in Christ

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned... I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. John 15:4-6, 15-16 Relying on our own strength and abilities could result to some things that could be commendable. But there are certain things that God alone could produce in our lives. This is what the Lord Jesus Christ was telling His disciples. It is only by being filled by the Holy Spirit that we can produce the fruit of the Spirit. When we have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, we are to follow Him. It is Christ alone who could produce in us the fruit that represents His character henceforth He said, “For apart from me you can do nothing.” We need to depend on Him for He alone could help us be loving, patient, forgiving, and holy. This is why at times He allow us to face the onslaught of trials and difficulties of life so we will hold fast on Him. As Paul said when dealing with his own limitations and weaknesses, “That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). God wants to lead us in an experience He alone could provide for He knows what is best for us. He wants to produce in us “lasting fruit.” All He asks from us is to be obedient and follow Him. Success in God’s eyes may not be the same as the world sees it. Success in spiritual life is to know that we are faithfully abiding in Christ. Such action could help you lead someone to the saving knowledge of Christ or could help you encourage someone who is about to give up on life. What God desires from us is that each day of our lives we will be committed to abide in Him.

Blessings,

Noel De Guzman

www.my-wbc.com