Perfect Union with Christ

Main Course: 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “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 (John 15:4-5).

July is the 7th month of the year, and oftentimes symbolizes God's perfection or completion. As we look toward the final 1/2 of the year, what better time to reflect and re-calibrate to be in perfect union and harmony with Christ. This month our country celebrated Independence Day; but as Christians in exchange for our freedom in Christ, we should become more dependent upon God in our daily walk with Him.

The total dependence we have on God is like children depending on their parents because we must be connected to Him at all times or our souls will suffer. The sinful nature that marks each one of us does not allow us to live independent of our Savior without sorrow. Often we try to do life “on our own,” only to fall back into the hands of our Father. God wants the best for you, and you can trust Him implicitly like a baby who automatically and fully trusts his parent (Anchor Devotional).

As a result, our relationship matures and grows stronger to meet the challenges of life victoriously. Only union with Christ allows His Spirit to work, equip, and perfect us to do His will (Ps. 138:8; Heb. 13:21). Let's make it a daily habit to meditate on our "benefits package" (Ps. 103:2-6), and celebrate His bountiful blessings that only come from union with Christ.