The Abider- God’s in Charge & I Partner with Him (Part 3)

In the culmination of our exploration into the three ways of being from a Christian perspective, we now delve into the state of the Abider. This way of being reflects a deep understanding and alignment with God’s will, where individuals rest in His love, flow with the Holy Spirit, and co-create with Him in every aspect of life. Let’s delve into the characteristics and spiritual practices that define the Abider.

The Abider is characterized by a profound sense of surrender and trust in God’s divine plan. Instead of being driven by external motivations, they are guided by love and intuition, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead their actions. They prioritize spending time with God through meditation, prayer, and inner purification, cultivating stillness and deep connection with Him.

Scriptures such as the Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13 illustrate the concept of falling on good soil, symbolizing those who have a good foundation and become new creations in Christ. This passage highlights the importance of surrendering to God’s transformative power and allowing Him to purify our hearts and minds.

Ephesians 4:31-32 urges believers to let go of bitterness, rage, and anger, and to cultivate a clean heart and a right spirit within them. Similarly, Psalm 51:10-12 emphasizes the need for inner purification, asking God to create a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within us.

The Abider lives a balanced life, centered on spiritual maturity and growth. They understand that faith requires patience and perseverance, trusting in God’s timing and His perfect plan. Hebrews 12:1-3 encourages believers to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that easily entangles, striving for holiness out of reverence for God.

2 Corinthians 7:1 further emphasizes the importance of purifying ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness in every aspect of our lives. This process of purification and alignment with God’s will allows the Abider to co-create with Him, manifesting His vision and intentions in the world.

John 5:19-20 highlights Jesus’ dependence on the Father, doing only what He sees the Father doing. Similarly, John 10:30-38 emphasizes the unity between Jesus and the Father, reminding us that in Him, we live, move, and have our being. As we align ourselves with God’s will and surrender to His guidance, we become co-creators with Him, participating in His divine plan for creation.

1. John 10:30 – “I and the Father are one.” This verse highlights the profound unity between Jesus and the Father. As believers, when we abide in Christ, we are also united with the Father through Him. This unity signifies our deep connection with God and our oneness with His divine nature. Abiding in Christ means recognizing and embracing this unity, allowing His presence to permeate every aspect of our being. The Abider understands this unity and seeks to live in harmony with the Father’s will, allowing His divine love to flow through them.
2. John 5:19 – “So Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.'” In this verse, Jesus emphasizes His complete dependence on the Father for guidance and direction. Similarly, when we abide in Christ, we surrender our own will and desires to God’s will, allowing Him to lead and guide us in all things. Just as Jesus only did what the Father instructed Him to do, the Abider seeks to align their actions with God’s purposes, trusting in His wisdom and sovereignty. They understand that true strength and effectiveness come from yielding to God’s guidance and power.
3. John 15:7 – “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” This verse underscores the importance of abiding in Christ and allowing His words to dwell richly within us. When we immerse ourselves in God’s Word and cultivate a deep relationship with Him, our desires become aligned with His will. As a result, our prayers are in harmony with God’s purposes, and He delights in granting the requests of His faithful children. The Abider understands the power of abiding in Christ’s words and seeks to align their desires with God’s will, trusting in His faithfulness to answer according to His perfect plan.
4. Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” This verse emphasizes the transformative power of God’s Word when it dwells richly within us. When we abide in Christ by saturating our minds and hearts with His Word, we are equipped with wisdom and discernment to navigate life’s challenges. Moreover, our hearts overflow with gratitude and praise, leading to a deeper intimacy with God and a greater awareness of His presence in our lives. The Abider prioritizes the cultivation of a rich and intimate relationship with Christ through the study and application of His Word, allowing it to shape their thoughts, words, and actions.
5. 1 John 2:27 – “But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.”  This verse speaks to the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in believers, guiding and teaching them in all things. When we abide in Christ, we rely on the Holy Spirit’s leading and illumination to understand God’s truth and discern His will for our lives. As we surrender to His guidance and trust in His wisdom, we are empowered to live in alignment with God’s purposes, bringing glory to His name. The Abider recognizes the importance of abiding in Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to be their guide and teacher, leading them into deeper intimacy and understanding of God’s will.

Five practical tips on how a person can learn to abide in Christ on a more daily or regular basis:

1. Establish a Daily Routine of Prayer and Meditation:

   • Set aside dedicated time each day for prayer and meditation, preferably in the morning to start your day on the right note.
   • Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can focus and commune with God without distractions.
   • Use this time to express gratitude, seek guidance, and surrender your concerns to God. Allow yourself to be still and listen for His voice in the silence.

2. Immerse Yourself in God’s Word:

   • Make reading the Bible a daily habit. Choose a specific passage or verse to meditate on each day.
   • Consider using a devotional or study guide to deepen your understanding of scripture and its application to your life.
   • Reflect on how God’s Word speaks to your circumstances and challenges, and allow it to shape your thoughts, attitudes, and actions throughout the day.

3. Cultivate a Spirit of Gratitude and Worship:

   • Practice gratitude by intentionally noticing and acknowledging God’s blessings and provision in your life, both big and small.
   • Incorporate worship into your daily routine through prayer, music, or creative expression. Lift up praises to God for who He is and all that He has done.
   • Keep a gratitude journal to record daily blessings and moments of God’s faithfulness, fostering a spirit of thankfulness and reverence.

4. Stay Connected to Christian Community:

   • Surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage, support, and hold you accountable in your walk with Christ.
   • Participate in regular fellowship, whether through church services, small groups, or online communities, to deepen your sense of belonging and connection to the body of Christ.
   • Seek out opportunities for service and ministry within your community, using your gifts and talents to bless others and further God’s kingdom on earth.

5. Practice Mindfulness and Awareness of God’s Presence:

   • Cultivate an awareness of God’s presence throughout your day, recognizing that He is with you in every moment.
   • Practice mindfulness by staying present and attentive to God’s leading and prompting in your thoughts, feelings, and interactions.
   • Invite the Holy Spirit to guide and empower you in all that you do, surrendering your will to His and trusting in His wisdom and guidance.

By incorporating these practical tips into your daily life, you can cultivate a deeper and more intimate relationship with Christ, abiding in His love, wisdom, and presence each day.