Attached

I was reading John 15:4-10 this morning in my quiet time and it was brought to my attention that the phrase “Remain in me” is repeated 7 or 8 times. (Take a moment today and read that passage.) Jesus is talking with the disciples explaining some of what is about to happen and who the Father is. He tells the disciples that he is the vine and they are the branches; he tells them that they are to “remain in him” so they can produce fruit. Did you catch that? “If we remain in him” we produce fruit. We do not and I would say can not produce lasting fruit apart from Christ. So, what does it mean to “remain in Christ”? Well, the passage gives us the answer. A branch attached to the vine (the main stock and root system) gets all the support, nutrients, and help that it needs to grow and produce fruit. To “remain” means I am regularly in the Word, I am hanging out with believers who encourage me in my growth, and I allow the Holy Spirit to produce the fruit of the Spirit in me. My only responsibility is to stay attached to Christ. Sounds easy, but what a wonderfully difficult place to be. As humans we are easily distracted and deceived, shiny objects and the possibility of any easier way sidetrack us and lead us astray.
This week choose to stay “attached” to Christ.

-Pastor Tim