Christ in Everything

​I love thinking about Jesus throughout my day. Though honestly, far too often, I find myself not thinking of Him and what He has done for me. I have gone over this many times in my mind and considered what that statement “Christ in Everything” really looks like. The Scripture that comes to mind when I talk about this to others is John 15:5. The clarity of that verse is very intense.

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. - John 15:5 

This is one of those “I am” statements that Jesus makes that really makes you want to stop and think on what He is saying. If you read this verse in context, you see what He is saying here is very serious. A warning comes before this verse and after this one as well. The warning is of being cut off and thrown away. Not just thrown away, but burned up in the fire. Strong words indeed but needed words. We have to understand what happens if we aren't saved or “in Him”. You see the Gospel— which means good news— comes after the bad news. The fact that we are all sinners and all deserve the wrath that Jesus bore for us on the cross instead of us receiving that wrath that He bore. The forgiveness and new life that we find in Christ and Christ alone becomes so beautiful when you stop to truly focus on that. 

Far too often I find that many have this soft view of eternity; we are told by some pastors and theologians that not being in heaven with God is just not being in God's presence. That's wrong and unbiblical. If someone isn't saved, they don't just go away to a sad place. It's a real and serious issue that should be discussed and preached a little more than it is now. If hell isn't being talked about, you're not hearing the entire story. Just like if someone is giving the Gospel and not telling people they need to repent and believe in Jesus and Jesus alone for their salvation, they aren't giving a true Gospel presentation.

However, if we are a  “branch” and we find our life in Him, the only way that we can accomplish anything, like bearing fruit for example, is possible if we are in Him.  If we are in Him and He in us, we don't just bear fruit, but much fruit. What that looks like is different for everyone. However, as Christians, we should all be bearing fruit. There are many verses that describe what the fruit is and what fruit we should be bearing, so I encourage you to go and do a study on them. 

To be abiding in Him first off, is to be saved. You cannot abide in Him and find your strength in Him without first being saved. Only those who are His can truly abide.

What does it really look like though to “abide”? That is a serious thought I would like you to think on, though. To stop and wonder, “How do I apply this to my life?” That's what I've done in the past and what I try to do often.  What does that look like? Well, the way I try to focus on it is, His sacrifice, our salvation because of it. Stay in prayer as much as I can, which if we're all honest, isn't as much as I would like. Trust that He is sovereign over whatever is going on in my life and know that He is worthy of all my praise and focus.

Reading His word daily and hiding it in my heart so that I might not sin against Him is one of the best ways that I try to abide in Him. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and only He has paid for my sin. I know who I was and I know what I deserve. Knowing Who He is and who I was, I can't help but to cling to Christ. My one and only true Hope. 

Abiding in Him is vital. If you are a Christian, you are hungering to abide and you will be yearning for that time with Him. You will be seeking after God and getting to know Him better daily by reading scripture and being in prayer. We all go through our ebbs and flows but it is a journey that takes a lifetime. Don't focus so much on the issues of your life because honestly, as scripture says, our life here is but a vapor. We should be looking forward to our future with God and cling to the promises that we have in Christ. Have joy in Christ and abide in Him! It's all about Him and only He is worthy.

Praising Him in song is another great way to stay focused on Him. I don’t have the best voice there is around but I sing nonetheless because He deserves my praise and worship! I would encourage you to do the same. Don't just sing along to a song though. Listen and sing to songs that make you think. Listen to the words that remind you of who He is, what He has done. I'm not picking a type of music but the subject of the music itself. 
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You see, no matter if you're in prayer, reading, singing, or even sharing the Gospel we should be staying focused on the fact that the only reason we are still breathing is because of Him and His grace and mercy towards us. This kindness leads us to lean closer and cling to Him. The Author and Perfecter  of our faith! So my dear reader, abide in Him and cling to Him always. Seek after Him in all that you do. No matter what you do, do it unto the Lord!

Jonathan Eckel