I climbed behind the wheel and pushed the starter button. But instead of hearing the engine roar to life like usual, all I heard was “clack, clack, clack, clack, clack.” Thinking it was a fluke, I tried again. And again. And again. But every time, the only response was “clack, clack, clack, clack, clack.” No power, no go.
Even a battery jump from a stranger I waved down in the parking lot wouldn’t get my car started. I learned later that the battery wasn’t “merely dead, she was really most sincerely dead.” (In case you’re wondering, those are lyrics from the “Munchkin Land Song.” They just came into my head.) I called AAA and had a tow truck haul it to the dealership because the battery was still in warranty from the manufacturer.
Without a power source, my car was nothing but a pretty chunk of painted metal. It looked good, but it couldn’t get me from point A to point B. If a car can’t fulfill its purpose, it might as well be thrown out or sold for scrap metal.
God’s purpose for us as Christians is to bring glory to Him through producing “fruit.” But like the car, we must have a power source. We can’t do it ourselves.
5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. John 15:5-8, NLT
When Christians stay intimately connected to Christ in an obedient relationship of love, our lives will produce Christ-like character and positive results for the Kingdom of God. We will point people to Christ and bring glory to God. But without a vital connection to Christ our lives will lack power and purpose.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I forget that I really can’t do anything by myself. I try to do things myself, in my own power, in my own way, but the only result is “clack, clack, clack.” I want to cling to Christ and rely on His power. I want my life to bear fruit that brings glory to God.
What do you do to stay purposefully connected to Christ? How do you actively “remain” or “abide” in Him?
Connecting is essential. (See my post this morning for more on this topic.) I need God all the time and I need others. I cannot exist as an island, though that often seems easier. Continual refocus needs to be a daily habit. Purposing to create margin in my life and give God time to move. Deliberate and intentional refocusing.
Kari, I love what you said about continual refocusing on a daily basis. I think that’s key to “abiding” in Christ. We have to daily – even moment by moment – intentionally turn our thought and attention to Him. We need to maintain a constant awareness of Him! Thanks for sharing!