Abiding In Christ Sis. Stella Dhinakaran

“Whoever abides in Him (the Lord) does not sin.” (I John 3:6)
Being God’s child, you become a brand new person in Christ. There is no room for addiction because the blood of Jesus has sanctified you.  His love has transfigured you into the kingdom of light from the kingdom of darkness.  His grace always enables you to become stronger each passing day against ungodly ways. All you have to do is to be conscious of the righteousness imputed upon you through the cross.  Resist the devil and He will flee from you.
 
In an office, a worker knew the Lord and walked in godly ways. One day, he partook a dinner hosted in his office where liquor was served. He wondered how to escape from the ordeal of taking drinks. When others began to gulp glasses of liquor eagerly, he just sipped on pure water. He went on saying in his heart “Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” when his friends started making fun of him. Afterwards, his friends understood his stand and did not trouble him. Subsequently, whenever they had such dinner parties, they served him only soft drinks. As days went on, they also appreciated him saying, “The decision you have taken at this young age is commendable. You continue to follow it” and they began to honour him by giving him a nickname, ‘saint.’ Yes, he was watchful in standing as an epistle for the Lord. Therefore, the Lord also exalted him and honoured him before everyone.

Beloved, when you hide His laws and statutes in your heart, it will stop you from being entrapped in sin.  Reading, meditating and abiding in His word will help you to lead a righteous life.  Therefore, carry His nature, “Whoever abides in Him does not sin” (I John 3:6). This is what Jesus meant when He said, “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” (John 15:4).  You will not only be protected from ungodly ways but also would bear fruits for His namesake.  The complete surrender to Him and loving Him with all your heart, mind and soul would enable you to live a fruitful life. You are born of God (1John 3:9).
Prayer:
Merciful Saviour,

You are holy. Give me the grace to follow You firmly and to walk in Your divine ways. Help me to keep Your words safely in my heart.  Let Your love and grace be my meditation throughout the day.  Enable me to resist the sin and its pleasures.  Let the sweetness from Your honey-like words fill my inner soul.  Drench me in Your presence.  In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray, O Father, Amen.