Several years back, my friend Andrew Forrest introduced me to the idea of choosing “one word” as a theme for the New Year. It has been a powerful spiritual practice for me ever since, and I recommend it to anyone who struggles with traditional resolutions. In past years I’ve chosen words like move, joy, trust, and surrender.
As I’ve thought and prayed about my word for 2020, I’ve been drawn to a passage in scripture that speaks to my soul.
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
John 15:5-11 ESV
In this passage, Jesus tells his followers that the only way to bear fruit that lasts begins with abiding in him. Apart from abiding, we accomplish nothing of lasting value. Apart from abiding and obeying, we will not live a life filled with the joy of Christ. The foundation of a faithful and fruitful life is abiding in the love of Jesus.
My word of the year for 2020 is “abide.” I want everything I do as a disciple of Jesus to come from a place of abiding and obedience. For me, this means two important things.
First, it means prioritizing time in God’s presence. Even as a pastor, it is tempting and easy to prioritize productivity. Like anyone else, we are tempted to focus on the many things that need to be done. We end up, like Martha in Luke 10:38-42, being so determined to do all the things that need to be done that we miss out on God’s presence. In those moments, we hear the words of Jesus, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (vv. 41-42 NKJV) For me, this means taking time at the beginning of each day to read the Bible and pray. It also means intentionally spending extended time in prayer to seek the presence of God. Without abiding in God’s loving presence, nothing we do or accomplish will last.
Next, this means understanding the Kingdom’s order for effort and grace. A wise pastor once said that grace means that as Christians we work from love, not for love. In our world, we often work to prove ourselves. We work to show everyone how valuable we are and how productive we can be.
In the world of God’s Kingdom, our value is based on the deep and abiding love of God who sent his Son, Jesus Christ to save us and restore us. We receive this love as a pure and unearned gift. That is grace. All of our efforts for the Lord are not to earn His love or favor. Instead, our efforts flow from abiding in His love and favor!
While abide is my “one word” for 2020, it will likely not be yours. I believe as you pray over the next day or two, God will share a word to guide and direct your life and faith for the year ahead. What is your word for 2020?
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