By Pastor Chad
When I lived in Texas, every spring, we looked forward to the blooming of the bluebonnets. These wild flowers brighten up any day with their blue or purple bell-shaped petals. Bluebonnets only grow naturally in Texas, and only during a certain part of the spring. In order to thrive, the conditions must be just right. Thus, they only abide in a particular part of the world.
In John 15:1-5, Jesus commands that we “abide” in Him. He furthermore indicates some clear benefits for those abiding in Christ. That idea probably doesn’t come as a big surprise to Christians. We generally understand it is in our best interest to abide in Christ. I must say, however, we don’t always do a good job emphasizing this point in our evangelistic practices. For sure, most evangelistic methods include pointing out that all who are saved will go to heaven. But there is more to following Jesus than simply getting into heaven. A life with Christ has an immediate impact. That is, it makes our lives better now. For all rooted in Christ, they will thrive because they are living in the right conditions.
Following Jesus isn’t just about being good. It is that, but more. It isn’t just about following a set of principles and commandments. It isn’t just about making God happy. It isn’t just about going along to get along. It isn’t just about following an ancient way of living. Following Jesus is the way to live an abundant, blessed life. When we live according to our created purpose, we live a flourishing life.
When we are telling people the gospel of Jesus Christ, I think it is vital that we highlight this. When we are talking to people about Jesus, it is important we emphasize that we aren’t simply talking about getting into heaven. We are talking about how one can truly live. In fact, it needs to be pointed out directly: in order to have a good life–the life one was meant to live–one must abide in Jesus. This doesn’t mean one will experience a life without any problems. It doesn’t mean you will have a life of luxury. It doesn’t mean you will have a suffer-free life. That’s not what Jesus promises. The abundant life Jesus promises is a life in accordance to one’s creation. It is a life of joy. And it is a life of fulfillment.
So, do you want to live a flourishing life? If so, you must abide in Christ. There is no other way. How does one abide in Christ you ask? Well, we will address that question this coming Sunday morning.