The Secret to Working Smarter

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have even just one day that was smooth sailing from start to finish? Basically, a full 24 hours, marked by ease, free from problems, troubles, stress, striving and trying; true shalom! Do these days even exist? Perhaps sporadically, but surely not on a steady basis.

The truth is, this side of heaven, life is hard. While Jesus spoke of an abundant life for His followers, He never promised a problem-free existence. In fact, He was quite candid in sharing that life in this world would be difficult. At the same time, Jesus did guarantee something far superior to any trial or tribulation we might possibly face. He promised to be with us. He promised to never leave or forsake us. He promised us His peace, and He promised His Holy Spirit would counsel, comfort, guide, and remind us of His Words.

In John 15, Jesus extends an amazing invitation to His followers that would enable them to live practically and productively on Earth.

Accepting this invitation, however, would also require complete dependence on Christ, and further an acknowledgement of powerless living apart from Him.

In case you haven’t already guessed, or perhaps are not familiar with this chapter, the invitation I am referring to is that of abiding.

The invitation to abide

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
John 15:4 (NLT)

This verse/invitation is included in a beloved chapter of scripture in which Jesus describes Himself as the true vine, His Father as the vinedresser, and believers as branches. The message in this passage is quite clear. In the same way that a branch is incapable of manufacturing fruit on its own, neither can people produce anything of lasting, life-giving value apart from God.

Abiding is a word mostly associated with living or residing, and not one we usually use in reference to relationships. Yet it is this very word that Jesus chose and used in His description of His relationship to His Father, and to the body of believers that make up His church/His bride.

The literal meaning of the word “abide” is to remain or stay, implying a closeness and connection. So, when Jesus calls us to abide, He is indeed inviting us into a relationship with Him that is both intimate and intertwined, like the one He shares with God the Father.

How wonderful and beautiful is this?!

…Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 (ESV)

The blessings of abiding are innumerable as we are experiencing God continually in our everyday lives. This is the gospel message; God with us, God for us, and God living in us! And honestly this is an invitation we simply cannot decline.

So, considering this revelation and invitation, it is now our responsibility to respond appropriately.

While I do believe our individual relationships with Jesus are distinctly unique regarding the way in which we relate and respond to Him, I am also convinced that there are common practical and positive steps we can all take in our desire to abide in Christ.

In consideration of the literal meaning and spiritual context of the word “abide”, the following are some practical and meaningful ways revealed through scripture of remaining close to God.

Abide in God’s Word
…Jesus said… If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,
John 8:31 (ESV)

Abide in God’s Love
…God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
1 John 4:16 (ESV)

Abide in Prayer
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
John 15:7 (ESV)

Abide through Obedience
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.”
John 15:10 (ESV)

Abide through Personal Confession
Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
1 John 4:15 (ESV)

Abide through the Holy Spirit
“By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.”
1 John 4:13 (ESV)

This is not by any means an exhaustive list, as additionally there are many more beautiful pathways to abiding with God. I encourage you to dig into the scriptures and add them to this list or perhaps you may want to create an entirely new one that reflects your personal relationship with your Heavenly Father.

In closing, I am encouraged and humbled in the realization that the God of the universe has invited me to abide in Him, and not just sometimes, but at all times. Further, I recognize that the hard things, or at least the things I deem as hard, would be made so much easier by aligning my heart, mind, and spirit with my loving Father.

While I understand that Jesus never promised to work for me, He did promise to work through me if I would abide in Him. As I’ve considered my options being that of working on my own or allowing Christ to work through me, I have chosen the latter. My friends, I pray you will make this choice as well.

Be blessed!

…apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 (ESV)

For Reflection

  • Read John 15:1-8, underlining the words abide or remain, depending upon your translation.
  • What does this passage speak to you personally regarding the type of relationship Jesus extends to you?
  • Now make a list of the things in your life that you currently deem as hard. Consider why these things seem hard.
  • What steps will you take to abide in Jesus so that He can work through you?