The Rev. Dr. Donald P. Edwards
September 27th, 2006

Don’t Hide – Abide!

In Genesis we read the cosmological game of hide and seek between God, Adam, and Eve. The question that God asks is, “where are you?” I wonder if that isn’t the same question that God is asking of you this day. We are either hiding from God or abiding with God.

In John 15:4 Jesus said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As a branch cannot bear fruit of itself…neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”

Who has more faith, the person who is confident he/she can make it all by themselves, or the person who shares the power, the credit, the risks, the rewards with a partner?

Both avenues require great faith. Life requires different styles for different miles.

On part of the road you may be challenged and tempted to travel alone challenged, because you can’t find the help you need, or tempted, because you enjoy and relish the freedom of operating as an independent entrepreneur.

Forming a partnership will restrict your freedom to some degree. To trade off greater productivity for more privacy may be tempting but it is a bad deal!

There is an interesting story in the New Testament where Jesus Christ noticed the solitary fig tree, resplendent in luxuriant leaves. There was no fruit only leaves. And our Lord cursed the tree.

What’s the point of it all? Style without substance is shallow, show without service is sinful, and freedom without fruitfulness is folly.

It gets down to this: “Can I accomplish a great deal more in my lifetime if I am willing to limit my freedom, restrict my privacy, swallow some pride, and take on a partner? Yes, certainly, if the partner is my Lord Jesus Christ.

Don’t hide – be willing to abide in Christ. Where are you in your relationship with Christ?

Email – pastordonedwards@standrewlutheranmuncy.org