Article by FCA
During preseason, our teams spend hours in practice, preparing for the start of the season. We work through plays and drills the build strong momentum going into our games. Yet, as the season progresses, teams can grow weary and get caught up in the travel and games, causing practices to peter out and slow down. Sometimes, our performance can regress, and we see ourselves and our teams slipping, because we haven’t continued to prioritize practice.
Nobody becomes exceptional at their sport by accident. It requires spending countless hours in the gym, weight room or on the field or court. The athletes who consistently grow are the ones who are consistent with their habits.
A relationship with Christ works the same way. Nobody has a strong relationship with Christ accidentally. It requires the same amount of dedication and discipline as coaching or playing a sport.
“Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me.” -John 15:4
The word remain is used time and time again in John 15. Remaining in Christ means having a continuous connection with Christ. Doing so requires actively putting in the work to sit and dwell in God’s presence. This might mean setting your alarm a little earlier to spend time in prayer before you start your day. Perhaps it’s reprioritizing your time so you can dedicate more time to reading God’s Word. Maybe it’s pausing during your to-do list to simply be present with Him. Whatever option, it requires work.
We must prioritize spiritual training. And remaining in Jesus requires a plan we keep to. Whether that’s reading your Bible, stopping to pray in the middle of your day or opening your heart and eyes to see God in the moment, you are training in godliness.
“But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness. For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” -1 Timothy 4:7-8
Remaining in Jesus brings a joy that passes all we can understand. And the fruit of our dedication to remain in Him is evident. Make sure you are always remaining in the presence of God. It cultivates our faith and deepens our dependence on Him, for our good and God’s glory.
“My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.” - John 15:8
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Quarter Verse
“My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.” - John 15:8
