I’m thinking about when Jesus called His disciples. And what He was calling them to. To follow Him. To become like Him. Which is the same call He gives to you and me. Not a formula — although, at times, I think that would be nice — but only leads to legalism. He calls us to abide (relationship). To follow in His ways. To humbly surrender and worship. As we do, it’s the Holy Spirit’s job to convict of sin and lead us towards Christlikeness.
I grew up going to church, so I’ve heard the word abide many times in sermons or just church conversations. But honestly, I don’t ever remember listening to a sermon on what it means to abide. So when you grow up hearing a word, but it’s never really explained or defined, it becomes one of those church words. You’ve heard them before. Everyone talks about it. But no one is really doing it. Or maybe they just don’t know how. Well, at least that’s my experience. Perhaps it’s yours too.
