How to Prioritize Your Relationship with Jesus in a Busy World
Ice, snow, and cold weather may not be my favorite things, but they’ve certainly made their presence felt this winter season. Along with the harsh weather, many tree branches have taken a beating, with some even completely breaking off. This scene reminded me of the powerful words in John 15:5, which say, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." The key word in this verse is "remain." It emphasizes the importance of staying connected to Jesus Christ and developing a deep, growing relationship with Him.
Remaining in Christ: A Call to Grow in Faith
As Christians, it’s not just about staying connected to Jesus; we must strive for an ever-growing relationship with Him. Once we embrace Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are secure in the palm of His hand, as described in John 10:28-29: "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand." This security is unshakable, but growing spiritually requires more than just assurance—it requires commitment.
The Challenge of Spiritual Growth
Though I am secure in Jesus Christ, my relationship with Him needs intentional effort to grow, much like my relationship with my earthly father. Being his son is secure, but maintaining a meaningful relationship with him requires time, conversation, and learning from each other. Similarly, staying attached to Jesus is not the difficult part, but daily commitment to developing a personal relationship with Christ can be challenging.
Prioritizing Christ in Your Life
In the busyness of life, with its many demands on time and energy, it can be easy to let distractions hinder our relationship with Jesus. To maintain a strong and growing connection with Him, it’s essential to guard our time and make Christ-centered choices. As Christians, we must ensure that the distractions of the world do not take precedence over our relationship with Lord Jesus.