Stop Striving, Start Abiding – Living for an Audience of One
The Illusion of Busyness
In a world that constantly tells us to hustle harder, plan more, and do better, it’s easy to fall into the trap of equating activity with fruitfulness. We fill our schedules with ministry, goals, and “God’s work,” hoping our efforts will produce a lasting impact. But in John 15, Jesus gently shifts our focus:
“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 15:5)
Abiding, Not Achieving
What if true fruitfulness doesn’t come from our busyness, but from sitting in His Presence?
Jesus invites us not to strive, but to abide. We are not human doings—we are human beings. Abiding means slowing down. Sitting with Him. Listening. It’s not inactivity—it’s inner connection. It’s a conversation with the lover of our souls. Out of that intimacy flows purpose, power, and peace.
God’s Presence Over Our Performance
Yes, vision matters. Goals matter. But let’s not let them become our god. Fruitfulness in the kingdom isn’t the result of working for God—it’s the result of walking with God.
He doesn’t call us to impress people. He calls us to live for an Audience of One.
Fully Loved, Fully Known
We are already fully accepted—not because of what we accomplish, but because we belong to Him. God’s invitation has always been about relationship, not performance. His presence is where we’re renewed, restored, and reminded of who we truly are. As Psalm 16:11 (TPT) says, “For you bring me a continual revelation of resurrection life, the path to the bliss that brings me face-to-face with you.” That’s the heart of abiding—learning to live face-to-face with Jesus. Not rushing past Him in the name of productivity, but pausing to enjoy His company. When we rest in His nearness, fruitfulness flows—not forced or frantic, but alive and lasting. It’s in His presence that we find what striving could never produce: peace, purpose, and joy.
The Overflow of Intimacy
Abiding isn't passive—it’s powerful. It reorders our lives around His love. When we remain in Him, we don’t have to chase significance—it begins to chase us. Ministry becomes an overflow instead of an obligation. Service becomes joy instead of a burden. We stop trying to earn what He already gave: His delight in us. And from that place of secure intimacy, we start bearing fruit that lasts.
Choose Connection Over Control
So today, ask yourself:
* Am I trying to produce fruit on my own?
* Am I trying to fulfill a list to earn acceptance?
* Am I working to be seen—or abiding to be transformed?
Let’s shift from striving to abiding because it’s in the quiet closeness of a relationship with Jesus that the real fruit begins to grow.