Imagine imitating the life of Jesus Christ with the poor equipment we have as mere human beings. A man with two broken legs might as well try to play baseball like a big league star. We would give the man an “E for effort,” but he would nevertheless fail in his attempt.

The only way to walk as Christ walked is to abide in Him. Jesus Himself taught His disciples the meaning of abiding in Him. He said that just as a branch gets its life by remaining in contact with the vine, so believers receive their strength by maintaining
fellowship with Christ.

To abide in Christ means to depend completely on Him for all we need in order to live for Him and serve Him. It is a living relationship. As He lives out His life through us, we are able to follow His example and walk as He walked. This is the secret of spiritual victory.

Verse for today: “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked” (1 John 2:6).

More to consider: John 15; Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 John 3:6.

Action assignment: List 2 or 3 successes and failures you have had:
SUCCESSES
1. . 2. . 3. .
FAILURES
1. . 2. . 3. .

What accounted for your successes and failures? Were you “abiding in Christ” when you had these successes and failures? What difference did Christ make? Ask the Lord to help you depend more fully on Him—no matter what the cost, no matter whether you achieve outward “success” or “failure.”

Warren W. Wiersbe
www.backtothebible.in