Inhabit

Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:4-5)


These words Jesus shared with his disciples in the upper room the night He surrendered his life for the world. Jesus told His fledgling church that they would do much more than He had done. In order for this to occur Jesus had to return to the Father in heaven. His way there was through the cross, the tomb and His resurrection and exaltation. Jesus promised another like Him would come, the Holy Spirit, the advocate and counselor and comforter. The Spirit will remind the church of all Jesus has taught and lead us into all truth.


It is through the indwelling Holy Spirit that the living Lord Jesus is made present to the church. It is through the Holy Spirit that Jesus abides in us and we in Him.


I ended my reflection yesterday questioning how our many good works in health ministries, justice and advocacy, and teaching hope, was transforming the world.


The mission of the church has both task and objective. The task of the church is to make disciples. The objective is to transform the world. Jesus' teaching in John 15:4-5 tells me that there is no real world transformation apart from an abiding in Christ. As Jesus said, "Apart from me you can do nothing."


I was at a ministerial association meeting recently. A suggestion was made to join in doing some fundraising for an obvious human need. It's a good thing to do. But none of us thought to seek the Lord and ask whether we should do that good thing, or some other good thing. Doing good is good, but doing God's will with the authority of the Lord of heaven and earth is life changing and world shaping. We can do all kinds of good, but without Christ, we really aren't accomplishing much for the transformation of the world.


In order to transform the world, we must first transform our own lives. Making disciples is about connecting people to the living God through faith in Jesus Christ. I sat and visited with an elderly man who shared about his spiritual life with Christ. His face was filled with joy, peace and light as he talked of spending time with the Lord each day. Then he told me as he talks to others in the church, he sometimes wonders if they've ever met Jesus.


Didn't Jesus say, "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?’ Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.’ (Matthew 7:21-23)


Just because we do good works, doesn't mean we know Jesus. Just because we busy ourselves serving the church and other worthy causes, doesn't mean we are disciples of Jesus. The central characteristic of a disciple is one who has Jesus Christ inhabiting their hearts and ruling over their lives.




The apostle Paul wrote, "To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law—indeed it cannot, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him." (Romans 8:6-9)


Note the very last sentence. "Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him." The reason Paul says this is because all humanity is fallen from the grace of God in whose holy image we were created. All sin, therefore all die in their trespasses. As Adam and Eve were cast from Eden because of their sin, we all are separated from God because of our sin. There is no way out of this condition of sinfulness. While we may do much good, and consider ourselves good, we are still fallen and unable to be anything other than sinful.


Scholars debate over the inherent goodness of humanity and the irreparable sinfulness of the human heart. Often when we say we are good people, we are comparing ourselves to criminals and perverts. But when we compare ourselves to Jesus, to the holy nature of God, we begin to see just how far we are from perfect love. That is why the Bible speaks of humans in bondage to sin and death. And that is why the gospel of Jesus Christ is good news! God acted in Jesus Christ, His only begotten, to heal the rift. Jesus served as a holy sacrifice which brings holiness to all who participate in Him holiness. God doesn't count our sins against us. God has bridged the gap caused by human sin. Through Christ all can return to Eden, that intimate walk with God where all our needs are met. Through Christ all can stand before our Maker naked and unashamed.


Transforming the world begins with my transformation. And it's an ongoing journey. I'm not perfect, but I pursue the Perfect One. Some days I pursue Him more intentionally than others. But regardless of my failures, weaknesses, my laziness and self-protection, Christ Jesus is faithful and He is able to sanctify my life.


May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. (1st Thessalonians 5:23-24)


So tomorrow I'll reflect on Paul's direction to continue to work out our salvation. (Philippians 2:12b-13)