John 15:5
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
In our fractured world, the call for unity within the Church is growing louder. Such longing for cohesiveness has been the basis of endless discussions, producing scant results. But the key isn’t in our efforts. It’s in Jesus.
Jesus makes it clear that every spiritual fruit, including unity, depends on the little word in, which means to rest close to someone or something. By itself, this tiny word does not have merit, but place it between the words “abide” and “Me” and “I” and “him,” and it connects us to the source of our fruit-bearing.
I’ve witnessed this principle in an almond grove in Northern California. I did not hear the fruit-laden branches there groaning and straining – they simply abide, remaining attached to the tree.
The desire for unity calls us to abide.
STAY CLOSE TO CHRIST
Abiding in Him means earnestly praying but waiting on the Lord’s answer. It means thinking deeply and critically about your Bible reading and translating it into real action. Abiding in Him and He in you produces the fruit that brings vitality and wholeness to congregations.
STAY CLOSE TO THE WORD
True oneness of mind and purpose finds its source in sound biblical doctrine. Whenever you see God’s Word replaced by false teaching, vain philosophies, or carnal preferences, you can be sure that division and discord will reign. You cannot live connected to Christ – the Logos, the Word of God (John 1:1) – without His unifying truth.
Believer, do you desire unity? Remember: abide in Him and the fruit will come.
Awaiting His return,
– Pastor Jack
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