What Does It Mean To Abide in Him?

I have the utmost respect and admiration for plant lovers. At my office, there’s a remarkable man by the name of Jeffrey whose office is filled with the most beautiful collection of exotic plants. Every time I walk past his doorway, I feel like I’ve been transported to the Amazon rainforest—seriously, his office has more vines than Wrigley Field! My history with plants is much more depressing, borderline criminal. I’ve tried my hand at everything from a hibiscus tree (that I lovingly named Moana) to even low maintenance succulents and cacti, but in the end, everything dies. 

Now Jeffrey makes it look easy, but his thriving plants are entirely the product of meticulous care—potting in nutrient dense soil, exposure to correct amount of light and careful pruning to allow for optimal health and growth. Turns out, there’s a bit more involved in keeping plants alive than occasionally remembering to water them … who knew? 

Don’t get me wrong, when it comes to plants, I’ve always had good intentions. But even the greatest intentions fail when the commitment isn’t fully there. 

What Does “Abide” Mean? 

In John 15, Jesus encourages His disciples to remain in continuous relationship with Him. 

The word “abide” is used 11 times in this chapter to emphasize how the fullness of life, the life we were created to enjoy, can only be experienced in close connection with Jesus. Abide means an invitation to dwell, to remain, to be held and kept continually in Christ’s provision and care. 

Here in John’s gospel, Jesus refers to Himself as the vine, the ultimate source of life and power, and we (His followers) are the branches. With this simple, yet profound metaphor, Jesus illustrates how vital our connection with Him truly is. Thanks to science, we know that it’s impossible for a branch to bear fruit, let alone survive if it’s not attached to the vine. But do we recognize the same reality is true for us if we hope to fulfill the purpose for which we’ve been created? In a world where we often prefer to go it alone, Jesus makes it abundantly clear that our proximity to Him determines our success. In John 15:5, it says, “Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”  

One Way Or Another

Another beautiful dimension of this call to abide is the promise of a mutual relationship. It isn’t just us abiding in Christ, but also Christ abiding in us. It’s a divine partnership between a fallen humanity and a perfectly holy God who claims us as His own and qualifies us for service. It is the assurance that no matter how chaotic or tumultuous this life may be, we are tethered to the source of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).

But What Does It ACTUALLY Mean for Me?

You may be thinking, “OK, I know what it means to abide in Christ, but what does this actually look like in my everyday life?” Well, I’m glad you asked. 

Abiding first and foremost demands obedience to God’s Word and a continual reliance on His power. 

This is a daily pursuit, an active and intentional commitment to humble ourselves and seek His face. Abiding in Him invites the peace of Christ to guard our hearts and minds so that we don’t embrace the foolishness of this world. Abiding enables us to discern what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). When we abide in Him, we encounter God’s heart for the world, and we allow Him to cultivate this same heart in us. It won’t always be easy (surrender always comes at a cost), but this what being a true disciple is all about, to grow deep roots and bear the type of fruit that brings glory to God our Father (John 15:8). When we abide in Him, people notice. 

If you’ve ever grilled a delicious steak or chicken, then you know that there’s a huge difference in the flavor and quality of meat that’s been thoroughly marinated in oil, herbs and seasoning compared to a bland piece of dry unseasoned meat. Meat naturally absorbs the flavor of what it rests in … and the same is true with us when we abide in Christ. Dwell in His presence. Linger in His goodness. Saturate in His Spirit. Do this, and you will naturally take on the flavor of His love, His mercy, His compassion, His purity, His holiness. 

Abide. Abide. Abide. 

May the world taste and see that He is good. 

Life is fruitful when it flows out of an intimate, personal encounter with Jesus Christ. 

Today, wherever you find yourself, know that the God who breathed life into your lungs longs for you to abide in Him. Stop striving in your own strength—seek connection and allow His strength to be your portion. 

Less toiling and more trusting.

Less worry and more worship.

Less doing and more depending.

There is freedom in His presence.

Abide.