Stay Close to the Source of Life

I am the vine; you are the branches. 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)

Competence can quietly teach us to carry everything alone. We make the plan, solve the problem, and move to the next responsibility. Yet being able to finish a task does not mean we can form a Christlike heart by ourselves.

Jesus gives his disciples the picture of a vine and its branches. The branch receives what it needs through its connection to the vine. In the same way, spiritual fruit grows through continuing dependence on Jesus. Experience in church does not make that dependence unnecessary.

Abiding is a life of trusting, listening, and responding to him. It reaches beyond a few quiet minutes into decisions and relationships. We read his word willing to obey it. We bring our worries to him. When we sin, we confess and turn back rather than pretending that outward activity will cover the distance.

Choose one responsibility you have been carrying with little prayer. Before you begin it again, tell Jesus where you need his help. Ask for patience, truthfulness, wisdom, or love. Then do the work before you with attention to what he teaches.

This is not a formula that makes every task easy. It is an honest expression of relationship. Jesus died and rose to give us life we cannot give ourselves. We continue to need him in the ordinary hours as surely as we needed him when we first believed.

Prayer: Jesus, teach me to depend on you in the work, decisions, and relationships of this day.

Keep reading: Let His Word Reach What You Protect · Take Jesus’ Warning to Heart · Study with us: Bible Study