Abide is one of those words that left our vocabulary about the time most people stopped using the King James Version of the Bible.

But it’s a great word.

In John 15:5-7, Jesus speaks about abiding in Him. I don’t want to summarize what he said, so here’s the passage (from the New Living Translation):

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!”

Jesus loved using analogies that spoke to the people of his day. Many people back then had their own vineyard. Or they worked for someone who did. Grapevines are hearty long-living plants. And with care, they can produce some of the world’s most amazing fruit. But obviously, if you cut a branch off and let it fall to the ground, it will die.

Last week, there were a few days when I did not abide. I was miserable while I was away from the vine. Thankfully, God rescued me from my own selfishness, and I came back.

Our lives are so fragile. Let’s stay close to Jesus. The momentary satisfaction of having our own way is a very short-lived pleasure.

I’ve enjoyed reading the book, More Than Ordinary: Enjoying Life with God, by Doug Sherman. One of Doug’s main points is that we should live each hour and each moment with Jesus sitting next to us. Just invite Him to be part of every day.

(Paul Merrill writes here every First Friday.)