I have a relationship with Jesus Christ. I’m saved and secure. I’m on my way to heaven someday. But I still live here and I know that my purpose is to glorify Jesus Christ in all of the life that I have left. But how?
A common plight Christians suffer is this wrestling between getting ready to do something, and doing it now. When I surrendered to God’s calling on my life to ministry, I wrestled – do I spend some years in school, doing little and learning much, or do I get involved, doing much but perhaps learning little. I’ve heard it preached both ways. You have too, and it’s confusing, isn’t it?
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I love the way Jesus takes a very abstract concept and puts it in ultra-simple terms. In John 15, Jesus is telling us that He is the Vine, the Father is the Vinedresser, and if we wish to live a fruitful life, we must abide (live or remain) in Him. Then He introduces the idea of “abiding in His love.” This, to me, seems abstract. What does it mean and how do I do it? Thankfully, Jesus spells it out…
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” – John 15:9-11 ESV
As John R. Rice used to say, that’s “simplicity, wrapped in profundity,” which is characteristic of Jesus. I can’t possibly explain what it means to abide in His love, but He explains it for us – keep my commandments and your joy will be full. How do you abide in His love? Obey. And when you obey… joy!
Do you lack joy today? There may be other concerns, but first ask, “Am I living in obedience to Jesus’ will for my life?”
photo credit: ravik694
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