Beautiful Word Devotional #104

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.”

John 8:31

The phrase “hold to my teaching” can also be translated abide. To hold to Jesus’ teaching means to abide in it, to dwell there, to consistently study and practice what Jesus teaches. So Jesus’ disciples aren’t simply people who say they are. They are people who actively pursue Jesus, watch what he did when he walked the earth, and ask for his strength to walk in a similar way.

We all struggle with hypocrisy. We don’t perfectly emulate Jesus, yet Jesus knows our hearts. He recognizes people who follow him, who have a deep longing to know him and be known by him. When we have hearts like that, he shines through us.

In what ways is Jesus asking you to abide today? Do you need to make more time to read his words? Is there someone you need to forgive? Is there a place you’re supposed to serve? A ministry to support? Jesus will give you the strength to obey him.

Jesus, I want to abide in you: I want to follow your teaching and truly be your disciple, amen.