The new year brings with it an exciting new range of opportunities. Anything could happen! Most people set goals or resolutions in January that quickly get overwhelming, and some are abandoned by the next month. Instead of setting unachievable resolutions for 2023, maybe it’s time to set resolutions in God’s way. John 15 describes what it looks like to walk with Christ every day. Since your relationship with God should be your top priority, these specific tips on how to abide in Christ throughout the new year can help you start 2023 off strong.
John 15:4-8 says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, it is he that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”
What Does it Mean to Abide in Christ?
To abide means to be connected with Jesus. People connected to the vine are permanently joined in a relationship with Christ. Jesus wants to dwell in an intimate union with you. This is what you were created for. When you don’t abide in Jesus, you are like a fish out of water. You weren’t designed to go through life alone. There will be negative repercussions when you try to live a life separate from Christ. Like a fish out of water starting to die, you will be flailing without Jesus.
This passage does not stop after exhorting readers to abide in Christ. Instead, the writer goes on to describe what will happen. As you strive to abide in Christ throughout the new year, you can focus on these four areas.
1. Abide in Christ
We were all created to abide in something. If you’re not abiding in Jesus, you’re certainly abiding in something else. It might be sports, social media, a Netflix show, or a daily ritual. Apart from Christ, these cannot fulfill you. Take a look at the last year of your life. In moments when you weren’t connected to Jesus, where were you searching for hope and peace? Where did you try to find your security or identity? If you can identify what parts of your life you run to when you’re far from Jesus, you can make positive changes to fill the coming year with more of Jesus.
2. Abide in God’s Word
When you exalt God above everything else, His Word is always involved. It’s impossible to exalt Christ without dwelling in Scripture too. In Matthew chapter four, when Jesus was tempted in the desert, Jesus anchored himself in the Word of God and recited Bible verses to ward off temptation. In this passage, Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 8:3, which says, “man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” This new year is an excellent time to recognize your need for God’s Word and make changes to fill your life with more. These are a few ways to create an achievable Bible plan for the new year:
Have a Plan
When starting a new Bible routine, it’s best to start with a plan. What do you want to achieve? Maybe you want to read through a specific book of the Bible, or perhaps you want to study everything the Bible says about forgiveness. Having a plan can help you find tools to help. Different devotionals, Bible Studies, or structured plans can help you stick to your goals.
Have a Time
Find a time every day that is set aside for spending time in The Word. For some people, reading the Bible first thing in the morning after they wake up works best. Reading over their lunch break or before bed is a better time for others. Wherever works best for you, the important thing is to have a consistent time every day that won’t get filled with other plans. This way, you can ward off distractions and keep to a schedule that fits into your daily routine.
Have a Place
If you have a place in your home or city where you always spend time in Scripture, it will be easier to stick to your routine. For example, some people sit on an armchair in the corner of their house, while others like a porch swing or closet. Some people want to go to a local park or take a walk. There are various places to choose from, so find a quiet space that will always be free when you plan to read your Bible.
Have a Process
Bible reading doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you have a process you use, it will simplify your study. A simple method is to follow the acronym for H.E.A.R.
- Highlight – What stood out to you?
- Explain – What does it mean?
- Apply – What must I do?
- Respond – Pray for the Holy Spirit’s power to take action.
These simple steps can help you spend consistent time in God’s Word this year. This is one of the best ways to know God intimately and stay connected to the true vine daily.
3. Abide in Obedience
We can’t just read God’s Word and stop at that. Matthew chapter seven uses a man who built his house on a rock and one who built his house on the sand as a metaphor for building your life on the firm foundation of God’s Word. Those who hear God’s Word should become doers of it. God does not give you His Word so you can hear it or look at it. Instead, it should change your life and drive you into action. There is no proper hearing without obedience.
4. Abide in Community
John 15 was originally written in Greek, where the pronoun “you” was plural. So when we’re reading this passage, it might be more appropriate to say it with a Texas y’all. In this version, verse 7 would read: “…if y’all abide in me and I in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” We cannot abide in Christ apart from the Church. The Christian life was meant to be lived out within a community of believers. This way, each person can find encouragement and accountability. If you truly want to abide in Christ in the new year, there’s no better way than to get more plugged into your local Church.
Next Steps
As you enter the new year, there’s no better time to recommit your life to Christ. Last year might have been filled with disappointments, struggles, or spiritual apathy, but the new year allows you to start fresh. You can pray to repent of ways you were connected to false vines and ask for the Holy Spirit’s help as you abide in Christ this year. As you plant yourself in God’s Word, obey His commands, and dwell in community, you will find it easier and easier to feel deeply connected to Jesus. Let 2023 be the year you become more connected to Christ and more rooted in His Word!
