“Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.
“I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.
“And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.” 1 John 2:24-28
“Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 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. 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 15:3-5
Abiding does not just happen, and the scriptures advocate deliberation and care when choosing how to go about daily living. In Christ, we own divine anointing and limitless resources. While secure in the promise of eternal life, we are embattled with the world by constant deception and temptation. The degree to which we actively abide in Christ, and stay connected to His life-giving word and filled with His Spirit, bears greatly on daily outlook, and spiritual health and productivity.
Knowing to Whom we are connected is vital to confidence. The more we take hold of the truth His Spirit imparts, the more real His promises and practical His teaching. Abiding in Christ includes taking Him at His word and applying it to everyday situations and decisions. As the world peppers us with falsehoods and doubts, we can look to Him to remember what we know to be true. (John 14:26)
How connected are we to the Lord and His word? What tempts our tenacity to slide? Is our abiding sporadic, emergency-only, or constant? What fruit of kindness, boldness, steadfastness, unselfishness, generosity results from my clinging to Him?
“In heavenly love abiding,
no change my heart shall fear;
and safe is such confiding,
for nothing changes here:
the storm may roar without me,
my heart may low be laid;
but God is round about me,
and can I be dismayed?
Wherever he may guide me,
I’ll serve him to the end;
he is within, beside me,
my power and my friend.
His wisdom he bestoweth,
my sight and joy undimmed,
as I abide in his truth
and bear rich fruit for him.
Green pastures are before me,
which yet I have not seen;
bright skies of opportunity,
where darkest clouds have been;
my hope I cannot measure,
my zeal is full and free;
my Savior fills my spirit,
and he will walk with me.” ~Anna Leticia Waring (1850) (and PEB)
Lord, keep me faithfully abiding, growing in my love for You and lifting high Your name in all I do.
As the rain and snow 