"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man abides in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5 a*bide [uh-bayhd] verb, a*bode or a*bid*ed, a*bid*ing 1. to remain; continue; stay
The most basic understanding of what it means to abide in Christ comes down to this first dictionary definition.
To remain.
In a culture which grows more and more weary of commitment, it is a difficult challenge to remain anywhere for anything.
There is a direct challenge to the heart of the Christian to remain with Jesus. He tells us to stay here. Do not wander off.
The truth of most people who give up on faith is they never really 'gave up' with one swoop; they wandered away.
It likely began with a stubborn isolation (as though they could do faith and life alone), and it lead to further wandering until, at some point, they realize just how far they have wandered out.
Jesus tells us to remain close. Stay close! This is the first understanding of abiding in Christ.
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The most creatively you can, describe what it looks like to remain close to Jesus?