Today, my mother told me that if I was going to live under her roof, that I had to abide by her rules. What does that mean? What does abide mean, and why is it such a big deal? Abide means to accept or act in accordance with. It's not  just some pointless rules. Think for a minute… My mom's job is to teach me to learn from, hear from, and listen to God. God gives us specific instructions in the Bible to abide in Him. So, we may learn from, hear from and listen to Him. I suppose mom was right to use that word, but let's explore its definition further. Let’s read John 15: 4-10. 

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

John 15:4-10 KJV

God tells us in John 15:4-10 to abide in Him and He will abide in us. If we act in accordance with God, He has room to move in our lives, and help us grow. When we abide (act in accordance) together, we get our assignments accomplished. When I abide or act in accordance with mom's rules, I have the opportunity to grow and develop both naturally and spiritually. Likewise, when I abide or act in accordance with God's rules, I have the opportunity to grow both naturally and spiritually. 

My mom used this example to teach me how to abide with God so I would never be alone. When I disobey God, I am not abiding in Him. This allows me to fall off or be cut off from the vine, which keeps me from growing to my true potential in Him.  I want to grow in God and bear fruit. Therefore, I must abide in Him to bring good fruit to the surface. God is our supply and source of everything (the vine) and without him, we will wither away and die. I challenge you to abide in God and see the fruits that come from obedience and abiding in Him. God loves us and wants to see us succeed in everything. Allow Him the room to help you grow and bear good fruit.

Posted 2/15/2022