Abiding In Christ | Devotional By Chad Nathan

One of the easiest traps if you’re someone who loves God is to become so busy doing things for Him that we slowly stop spending time with Him.

It is possible to read scripture just for the purpose of teaching, or pray because we need to prepare for something, or serve just because we want to make an impact, and meanwhile our soul is running on empty.

You can be doing good things and still be drifting from the one who gave you desire to do those good things. I have experienced this personally.

I was spending more time working for Christ than simply being present with Him.

My mind knew about God but my heart was struggling to slow down and enjoy Him.

I was treating my relationship with God almost like another assignment to accomplish instead of a relationship to treasure.

But Jesus calls us to truly abide in Him. In John 15:4 it says “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”

Notice that abiding comes before the fruit. Connection has to come before production. Relationship has to come before ministry.

Are you seeking impact more than obedience?

Are you desiring to be known more than knowing the Lord?

Do you love serving God more than you love sitting with God?

The solution is to put everything back in its proper place. Before you pour out, allow Christ to pour into you.