Are you worried you're not 'abiding' enough? Concerned your branch might get clipped? This is your comprehensive checklist to prove you're truly connected to the Vine. and a complete demolition of why that entire approach is wrong.
The Complete Christian Performance Checklist
Are you worried you're not "abiding" enough? Concerned your branch might get clipped? Here's your comprehensive checklist to prove you're truly connected to the Vine (completely missing the point of John 15:1-8):
- Attend every church service (and apologize when you miss one)
- Volunteer in at least three ministries simultaneously
- Quote scripture in casual conversation to signal righteousness
- Post daily Bible verses on social media for validation points
- Keep a color-coded prayer journal with daily metrics
- Track your quiet time minutes in a spreadsheet
- Count your good deeds, all while ignoring Ephesians 2:8-9
Warning Signs You're Not Abiding "Properly"
- Feeling joy without earning it (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Experiencing peace without proper documentation (Philippians 4:7)
- Bearing fruit without following the approved process (John 15:5)
- Living in grace without religious supervision (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Or, Maybe We've Completely Missed the Point
What if abide (menō in Greek) simply means to remain, stay, dwell? What if Jesus was inviting us to rest in His presence. not strain for performance? Connect with Him. not compete for approval? Receive His life. not manufacture our own fruit?
The branch doesn't strain to produce fruit. The branch doesn't attend Branch Performance Seminars. The branch doesn't worry about its branch-worthiness. The branch simply stays connected to the Vine.John 15:4-5 (the actual point)
Jesus didn't say: "Strive really hard and maybe you'll produce fruit." He said: "Stay connected to me, and fruit will naturally come."
The Truth About Abiding
- Your good works don't prove you're abiding (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- Your abiding produces good works (James 2:18)
- Your connection creates the fruit (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Your position precedes your production (Ephesians 2:6)
Jesus is the source of everything, righteousness, peace, joy, love, good works (1 Corinthians 1:30). You're just the branch through which His life flows. Your job isn't to make fruit happen. Your job is to stay connected. He'll handle the fruit production. You handle the staying.
Stop proving and start receiving (John 1:12). Stop striving and start staying (Hebrews 4:10). Stop performing and start positioning (Colossians 2:6-7). Doesn't that sound more like good news?