Abiding in Christ

John 15: 1-11

Abide in me as I abide in you. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.

There are two ways we can live the spiritual life.....the 'wilful' way where we use our willpower to try to imitate Christ, or the 'willing' way where we become his friends rather than his servants, where we abide in the true Vine. I remember hearing this statement a long time ago. It really struck me then and I still reflect on it from time to time. These days, when spiritual formation has become an important focus in the church, we might want to try to understand what the 'wilful' and the 'willing' ways represent.

The 'wilful' way would be the way of strenuous disciplines that we undertake often in our own strength, to try to produce a likeness to Christ. It would also involve in particular the rational dimension of faith, the 'right beliefs' and 'moral living'. Both essential but not adequate in themselves. The likeness that we strive for in these ways might very well be mere outward similarity, the masks that hide our true self from others and from God. This way would also be very exhausting for us. On the other hand, the 'willing' way seems to be what Jesus means when he tells us to "abide" in him. A living relationship - not dutiful service - is the heart of our faith. Being a Christian involves a spiritual, non measurable, interior dimension - the intimate presence of Jesus and being present intimately to him. A branch does not imitate a vine. A branch is intimately connected to the Vine which gives life and strength. The way of believing (doctrine) and the way of living (ethics) are nurtured by a spiritual attachment to Jesus Christ. Attachment means relationship, an intimacy that flows into everything we are and do. Abiding in Christ speaks deeply about devotion and discipleship.

When I first became a Christian as a teenager, I was told that I could have a personal relationship with Christ. This did not mean much to me then and I just went through the motions of being a Christian. It is no wonder that I almost lost my faith. When I rededicated my life to the Lord, there was much excitement to really get to know him and serve him. However, I got caught up in service and for several years did not come to appreciate what "abiding" in Christ, what that relationship of true intimacy meant. It was when I hit a crisis of faith that I stopped doing long enough to listen and learn from wise teachers on the spiritual life. Even now, I find that "being with" Christ can actually be more challenging than just "doing for" him. Such a relationship demands honesty about myself, demands ceaseless orientation towards Christ, a constant looking to him, listening for his voice and seeking his ways. As a branch I cannot nourish myself apart from the Vine. As a branch I need to be nourished by Christ's transforming love that will enable me to bear good fruit. Abiding in Christ and remaining in his love are steps towards becoming the beloved.