1. to wait for
2. (a) to endure without yielding
(b) to bear patiently
3. to accept without objection
Abiding as defined by ME via analogy:
To abide in Christ is to be as His shadow. As we go through any motion; be it jumping, raising an arm, or changing direction; our shadow mimics each and every action. Abiding in Christ is living as if we are His shadows.
This section of my bible study really caught my attention today and made me ponder what life would look like if I were abiding in God. I'll take each definition one at a time and describe the way it would play out in my reality.
To wait for: Often I am impatient and eager to know what's next, arrive at a solution, or guess the right answer and move along. It is hard to wait for a few hours let alone an undisclosed time to find out what the future holds. Part of being a disciple of Christ is persevering through periods of waiting. There are reasons, beyond our comprehension, that God chooses to withhold information from us or make us wait.
To endure without yielding: James 1:2-4 illustrates this concept beautifully, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
To bear patiently: This corresponds with to wait for. Romans 8:28 is a verse that offers encouragement and provides a glimpse of the future God has planned for each individual. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." It's much easier to be patient if I love and trust the person I am waiting to reveal more information. Also, previous experiences have allowed me to see the rewards of waiting patiently.
To accept without objection: This is the concept I grapple with most. I want what I want, when I want it. Now, after years of selfish motives and self-gratifying choices, I have to accept whatever God sends my way and do so with a smile? Kind of a hard transition to make. After reflecting on where my self-centered motives led me, I realized all to clearly how ineffective that route of decision making was and how fulfilling it was to wait, bear patiently, and accept without objection.
To be God's shadow is to embody the fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control). Any decision made utilizing the prior tools will lead to a satisfying and Christ-like life. "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus," states Philippians 1:6.
John 15:4-5 summarizes the analogical benefits of being shadows of Christ, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing."
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