As many were anticipating the recent State of the Union Address, the following phrase came to me: "What is the state of your union?" In other words, "How is your union with the Father?" The Scripture that comes to mind is St John 15:1-7:
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away;and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you."
This passage uses the analogy of vines and branches to represent our connection to Jesus. The key point is that as branches, we cannot survive if we are not connected to Jesus, the vine. We are admonished to abide in Jesus. To abide means to stay, remain or continue. It's not a place we visit temporarily. It is a place of permanent residency. Without a living connection to God, our lives are fruitless. How do we connect to Him? Reading and studying His Word and fellowshipping with Him in prayer are ways this can be accomplished. Our connection with Him has to be our #1 priority because it is out of that vital connection that the other areas of our life are guided. We cannot expect to experience true success in the kingdom outside of our union with the Father. Notice I said kingdom success. Many times, the world gives a semblance of success, but those things are not eternal. Our lives must be built on that which will last for eternity. So ask yourself if your union with God is where it needs to be. If it isn't, no worries or condemnation. All it takes is a quality decision to re-focus your attention to put the things of God first place in your life. Open up the Word and allow the Holy Spirit to bring the Word alive to you. Talk to God from your heart in prayer and allow Him to speak back to you. Spend time worshipping and praising God.These are ways we maintain that living connection.
As we do this, it allows our desires to align with His desires for our life. When that happens, we hear God's heart for us, and our asking will line up with what He desires for our life. That is why St. John 15:7 says that as we abide in Him, we will ask what we will and it will be done.
Our union with God is vitally important. Take time today to assess the state of your union!
