Abide in Christ

WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL BY PATRICE TSAGUE

What does it mean to abide in Christ?
How do you abide in Him?
What happens when you abide in Him?

Abide in Christ

In an earlier devotional, we discussed how to be fruitful in the midst of the storm. We stated that being fruitful for a Kingdom Business means productivity that results in an acceptable net profit margin, while fulfilling the Great Commission and manifesting the fruit of the Spirit. We also stated that in order to achieve that fruitfulness, the first thing that we must do is to abide in Christ.

I realize that this is not taught in business school, and it is difficult for some to understand how abiding in Christ can lead to productivity that results in an acceptable net profit margin.

Why are unbelievers able to achieve those margins without Christ?   

A personal relationship with Christ is not necessary to achieve financial gains, but a personal relationship with Christ IS necessary to cultivate and maintain the fruit of the Spirit.  Those who do not believe in Christ are able to achieve financial gains through due diligence, good stewardship, and sometimes a little cheating. Although this enables them to realize financial gain, they have money without its full benefits. 

That equates to a net loss in God’s economy.

A relationship with Christ provides the entrepreneur with wisdom from above, which enables him to create wealth without suffering the negative side effects that wealth can bring. They also have an assurance of eternity and the expectation of the great heavenly rewards given to those who are used by the King to advance His Kingdom on earth.  

You truly cannot do business God’s way if you are not abiding in Jesus. To abide in Christ means to submit your heart and mind to God’s word and God’s will so that His rule may govern your life in everything you do. To abide in Christ is to wait and rest in Him, and to completely turn over your agenda to Him, so that He may have complete control over your life and business affairs.  

How do you abide in Christ?

1. Know His Word and Will for Your Life
   Study the scriptures to know His word and will for your life; and no matter what circumstances you go through, stand on that word, confess that word, and do not move from that word.
   
2. Trust His Word and Will for Your Life
   Unexpected things will happen, and there will be times when cash flow is tight, expenses are growing, and it is uncertain how you will make it through. In these times, we can be tempted to change direction, developing alternatives that may not align with what we know to be God’s will for us. This is a lack of trust in His Word and will for your life. Stay the course, make adjustments if necessary, but make sure they are in line with
   His word and will. Trusting the Word is to believe and act based on the Word.
   
3. Wait on the LORD
   The toughest thing for an entrepreneur is to be patient, especially when things are difficult. Patience is needed most when things are difficult, not when things are easy.  You will be pressured, but do not yield to measures born of impatience because you think they will yield a quicker result. Simply wait. Completely surrender to God’s will, refuse to achieve success or accomplish your objectives at ‘whatever the cost’, but rather depend solely upon God for everything. Do not force your way through, but pray your way through.
   
4. Rest in Him
   Completely cast your cares upon Him. Enjoy yourself in the lap of your Father. Become like a little child who is totally comfortable in the hands of their daddy, because they are completely assured that their daddy will protect them no matter what, even if it means putting his own life in danger.

What are the Benefits of Abiding in Christ? 

They include:

1. Manifesting the fruit of the Spirit abundantly (John 15:4-5)
2. Provision (everything you need being added to your life) (Matthew 6:33)
3. Experiencing the peace that passes all understanding (John 14:27; Philippians 4:6-7) 
4. Receiving blessings without sorrow (Proverbs 10:22)

Abiding in Christ is not always easy. Temptations, trials, and tests come in the midst of our business journey that can easily cause us to leave that place of submission and rest. At times, you may feel that there is no other alternative, but be careful. Don’t fall for the devil’s tricks that will try to move you into harm’s way and make you unprofitable. He does not want you to experience the benefits of abiding in Christ.  

Are you abiding in Him? Remember, no matter how great your motives or noble the business. If you do not abide in Him, severe consequences will ensue. If you are not abiding in Him, not only will you be robbed of the benefits, but all of your financial gains and all your accomplishments will become empty and meaningless. 

No matter how much money you make or what you accomplish, you will become a “fruitless branch” – losing your connection to Christ and all of the benefits of that, and also becoming unable to be used by Him to extend His Kingdom (John 15:5-8).

Know His will and Word for your life – Trust His will and Word for your life, wait on Him, and rest in Him.  Be patient – Abide in Him. 

My prayer for you is that God will give you the desire to abide in Him above all else, and the patience to remain connected to the Vine at all times, so that your life may be blessed with all the benefits of divine fruitfulness and blessings, peace and provision, that are the reward of those who have learned to abide in Christ.