To Abide - A Simple Definition
Today, as I read Jesus' words in John 5 to the Pharisees, something hit me that I hadn't noticed before. To set a context, I have been meditating on John 15 for months and have been learning much about pruning. In the world of vineyards and vinedressers, pruning happens seasonally based on a few conditions. When the vines are growing faster than the fruit, the sunlight and oxygen fail to reach the fruit enough for it to grow. Therefore, the vinedresser prunes back the branches to create "more breathing room" for the fruit.
I've heard pastors describe that our lives in the Spirit move in seasons. Like waves on the sea, life moves in ebbs and flows. There are seasons where fruit in a particular area comes naturally like the flowing of a wave. Then there are seasons where our abilities to produce, think and move in the things of the Spirit begin to ebb. God is relating to us differently in an ebb/pruning season than He is during a flowing/fruit-bearing season. Knowing this difference is vital.
I can't tell you how many times I have interpreted my pruning seasons or maybe I might say, the "ebb" seasons as seasons of failure. I feel alive like the growing branches blocking the light, but I am seeing very little visible fruit.
I believe that leaders have to create a culture that validates pruning and ebb seasons as a legitimate aspect of our spirituality. If we only have "produce or get out" cultures in business or in church, we will lose the "greater fruit" or I might say " the REVIVAL fruit" that God promises will follow such seasons.
Also, in John 15, Jesus commands us to ABIDE in his word. I typically read this as "stay consistent in your study and application of Scripture." I don't think anyone would disagree with this mentality, except that John 5:38, makes it even simpler. Jesus says "you don't have his word abiding in you, FOR you do not believe in the one he has sent." Abiding in God's word simply means an ACTIVE BELIEVING in JESUS'WORDS AS TRUE AND WORTH STAKING OUR EVERY DECISION UPON.
Abiding means ACTIVELY BELIEVING AND RESPONDING. Love it...Love you...Gotta go!
Created over 2 years ago
