THE SOURCE OF ALL GROWTH
“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.”
John 15:5 (CSB)
Jesus gives His listeners a foundational image of true spiritual growth and maturity. Growth and maturity are not produced by relentless effort. Instead, our growth comes from abiding in Jesus. John Calvin called this idea, union with Christ. Calvin taught that all Christian growth flows from this mystical union. Jesus taught that just as a branch cannot bear fruit apart from the vine, we cannot grow in holiness or maturity apart from Christ’s life flowing into our own.
This union occurs when the Holy Spirit enters our lives. This abiding relationship between Jesus and believers is something that we learn to live into. It is about staying connected, remaining in Jesus’ teachings and obeying the teachings and commands of Scripture.
Abiding in Christ is a continuous response to the faith within us through the Holy Spirit. When we become a child of God through salvation, abiding is learning to live in step with what God says is true about us.
We’re tempted to find other ways to produce results besides our relational closeness with Jesus. But He’s clear, nothing is produced apart from Him. How are you growing closer to Him today?
APPLICATION: Read through John 15. Allow the Spirit to point out something to you. Ask Him to help you understand the truth it contains. Reflect on where you typically depend on your efforts instead of staying connected to Jesus. Commit to renewing this effort to abide with Jesus today.
PRAYER: Jesus, thank You for being available to me every moment of the day. I can get distracted and busy and lose focus on Your agenda and life throughout the day. Please help me stay connected to You today. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?