Remaining in Him

11 times in the span of 6 verses Jesus tells us to remain in Him. (John 15:4-10) For Jesus to keep repeating himself means He’s trying to convey something really important to us. And “If Jesus must tell us to remain in him, then he seems to be assuming that it is quite possible not to remain in him.” (John Eldridge “Walking with God”)

Jesus is clear in this passage. We are the branches, he’s the vine. We’re dependent on Him for life, to be held up. We can’t bear fruit/bring glory to God on our own. We have to remain in Him.

Biologists/Botanists will tell you that the stem/vine of most plants draws nourishment from the roots and pushes it out to the leaves/fruit. As branches, we don’t have to force nourishment from God. He’s sending it our way! We have to remain in him and receive it through prayer and scripture.

Remaining runs counter to our human selves. We fiercely desire independence and to not owe anything to anyone. We cry out for freedom. We took the forbidden fruit in the garden because we wanted to be like God. We in effect declared, “We can do what we want when we want to.”

Isaish 43:7 tell us though that we were created to bring God glory. If we remain in him, we fulfill our purpose, brining him joy, and receiving joy ourselves (John 15:11). If we don’t, we’re useless. You might as well try using a single hand size rubber band to tow a large truck. That’s not what a rubber band that size was intended for.

Neither were we intended to support ourselves but to remain in Him.

One body

Earlier today I started listening to Casting Crowns first cd album again. I rediscovered some really good songs but this verse from the same song really got me thinking...

But if we are the Body

Why aren't His arms reaching

Why aren't His hands healing

Why aren't His words teaching

And if we are the Body Why aren't His feet going

Why is His love not showing them
there is a way

There is a way

Most parts of the body if not all all have a purpose. They say now even ear wax has a purpose in the ear, and I believe if I recall corectly doctors said it should be left alone. I'll believe that one when i see proof.

Think about though seriously. Even toes while small help maintain balance. Within the church (any group of believers) we become the body of Christ. Why are we not reaching out then? Why aren't we doing?

I don't know about you but I'd rather be an arm or part of an arm instead of an appendix whose purpose has yet to be figured out by scientists. I'd rather be valuable instead of dead weight.

What are we doing within the body of Christ?