Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4
One of the most challenging things for believers is to remain connected to God throughout their Christian journey. The moment we give our lives to God through Christ Jesus, we start to experience spiritual attacks and are made to contend with the vicissitudes of life. Our sinful nature often tempts us to make decisions that are ungodly and in opposition to God’s will for our lives. As spiritual beings having a physical experience, we struggle to prioritize our spirituality over our physical desires. Thus, staying connected to God requires perseverance, fervent prayer, and an unwavering sensitivity to the Holy Spirit that is informed by our knowledge of God’s word.
As plants need water and sunlight to survive, believers must remain connected to God to receive the spiritual nutrients necessary for physical and spiritual well-being. Without a spiritual connection with God, we are like a ship without a rudder and a captain to steer it to shore. God is the source of good and perfect gifts. He is the giver and sustainer of life.
In today’s text, Jesus is teaching the disciples about the necessity of staying connected to God. This lesson is part of the group of lessons Jesus taught the week before His death and resurrection. Jesus told the disciples staying connected to God is paramount for spiritual fruitfulness. By using the analogy of a vine and its branches to make the point that only by remaining in Him can we experience spiritual fruitfulness.
God expects believers to bear spiritual fruits throughout our Christian journey. But none of us can do so without a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. How do we remain connected to God? We do so through daily prayer and meditation. When we pray, we create the setting for God to connect with us in spirit and truth. Then our souls are revived, and our minds are renewed so we can remain hidden with Christ in God.
Another thing we can do to remain connected with God is to hide scripture in our hearts. God speaks to us through scripture. Thus, the Psalmist said, “I have hidden your work in my heart that I might not sin against you (Psalm 119:11).” The grow stronger in our knowledge of God’s will for our lives by studying His word faithfully. The word of God is the revelation of God’s plan for His creation. It is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that believers may be completed, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).”
Remaining connected to Christ is our spiritual lifeline for living victoriously. Christ must be at the center of every decision, plan, and thought process of those who want to be spiritually fruitful. The Holy Spirit must also become our companion, counselor, enabler, and spiritual guide so we can remain connected with Christ throughout our Christian journey.
The benefits of remaining connected with God through Christ Jesus are too many to mention. Suffice it to say, remaining connected to Christ ensures our salvation and helps us to perfect our spiritual gifts for the building up of God’s kingdom on earth. “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming (Ephesians 4:14).”
Questions for Personal Reflection
How are you remaining connected to Christ?
What are the benefits of remaining connected to Christ?
Prayer- Blessed Lord, please help me to remain connected to Christ throughout my Christian journey. Please reveal to me the thoughts, decisions, and behaviors that are not pleasing to you so I can live a sanctified life to your glory.
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