December is always a time of reflection for me as the new year approaches, a season that serves as a poignant reminder of the gift of Christ. In these moments, I often find myself searching for the definition of “who I am” in Christ, recognizing the importance of staying connected to the true vine. While I have found peace with God through my faith in Jesus, the question lingers: Am I truly relying on Him to foster genuine growth within me? Christ, in his wisdom, calls me to abide first in him before charting my course forward.
Even when we divert from abiding, grasping the reins and circumventing God’s plans, His love remains unwavering. It is a steadfast, unchanging love that transcends our flawed selves. This love cannot be earned; it simply requires our embrace at the cross. Choosing to believe in Him is the foundational step toward abiding in Christ. As articulated in 1 John 4:16, “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”
In this abiding, God chooses to stay with us. He plants the Holy Spirit within our spirits upon our profession of faith. This seed takes root and begins to flourish, echoing the beautiful process illustrated in the parable of the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32). Much like a small seed growing into a substantial plant that provides shelter and nourishment, our spiritual growth thrives as we engage in God’s Word, prayer, worship, and fellowship. This, in turn, shields us from the challenges of a sinful world. To access this power, we also must learn to stay in him.
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5
Similar to a diligent gardener nurturing a delicate seedling, safeguarding and feeding it, we too must actively nourish our spirit, soul, and body to foster a thriving relationship with Christ. Reading God’s Word, participating in worship, spending time in prayer, being part of a church community, and discussing God’s Word with fellow believers are essential components of this nurturing process. It’s not a one-time task but a continual effort to cultivate a profound and meaningful connection with Christ through abiding in Him.
Just as a gardener prunes a plant for optimal growth, we too must be willing to release things hindering our spiritual development. Vigilance against the invasive “weeds” of worldly temptations is crucial, and discerning God’s voice amidst the world’s noise is essential. The journey of discovering our identity in Christ is dynamic and ongoing, demanding dedication, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to abiding in Him.
Our identity in Christ is a journey that begins with faith, matures through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and necessitates continual nurturing and protection. As we abide in Christ, we discover purpose, meaning, and the abundant life He promises. May we persist in cultivating our spiritual gardens, guarding against anything hindering our growth, and actively choosing to abide in the consistent and unwavering love of our Heavenly Gardener.
