Things Jesus Never Said

Things Jesus Never Said - The World Says, "Believe in Yourself", Jesus Says, "Abide in Me"

“Believe in yourself” sounds like good advice. Trust your instincts. Follow your heart. Look inside yourself for the strength and wisdom you need. But Jesus gives us a very different invitation. In John 15, Jesus describes Himself as the vine and us as the branches. A branch was never meant to produce life on its own. Its life comes from staying connected to the vine. The same is true for us. Spiritual maturity isn’t marked by independence, but by persistent dependence on Jesus. We don’t need occasional encounters with Him when life gets difficult; we need a life of connection, inviting Him into our work, finances, relationships, parenting, decisions, and everyday moments.

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. –John 15:4