This morning, I received a lovely note from my counsellor, Brian Russell.
I was reflecting on John 15:4 this morning - Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. This made me think of our conversation yesterday about God’s purpose for everything in our lives is His glory. That includes how we define effectiveness in our work and relationships. We won’t be “successful” in giving God glory unless we are seeking to give Him glory first and foremost. Abiding in Christ gives God glory AND is the source of living His purpose. So when you think about being a husband or a father or a worker or a friend, it all begins with a choice to learn and grow in abiding in Christ. And since Christ also abides in you, then you really have all you need for life and godliness. And His purpose of making you more and more like Him in every way will happen - because that is ultimately what God wants!
In response, I shared two thoughts with Brian.
Firstly, our desire to give glory to God can sometimes be a mask to give glory to ourselves. We may say that we want to give glory to God, but I know that my heart sometimes wants a part of it – when 100% of the glory should be to God. Therefore, we do indeed need to seek to give Him glory first and foremost.
Secondly, Christ abides in us – and we have all that we need for this life and godliness. A very powerful reminder in the fight for purity.
Soli Deo gloria.
