Abiding: The Hidden Work Behind the Walk

Scripture Reading: 

Col 2:6,7   

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,   
rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.  

John 15:5  

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.  

Thoughts 

Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1 is simple. He longs for believers to be “filled with the knowledge of God’s will” so their lives would unmistakably show they belong to Him. Then, in chapter 2, Paul rejoices — because he sees that worthy walk taking shape in them. And he reminds them why it’s possible at all: they are in Christ. 

Jesus said something similar in John 15. 

His words are short: “Abide in Me.” 

Both Paul and Jesus are describing the same reality — the lifestyle of a Christian whose life is rooted in Christ, shaped by Christ, and sustained by Christ. 

To abide is to stay relationally attached to Jesus — to remain connected to the Vine so His life flows into ours. It’s through abiding that we draw strength, grow, endure, and bear fruit. Without that connection, the Christian life becomes nothing more than self‑effort and exhaustion. 

Paul’s “walk in Christ” is simply the outward expression of that inward attachment. 

Abiding is the hidden root. Walking is the visible fruit. 

Jesus paints the picture with vines and branches. Paul paints it with movement and direction. But both are describing the same spiritual rhythm: Stay where Christ is — then move with Him. 

Abiding is like having the right foundation in your form — a relaxed grip, a smooth pull‑through, and a balanced stance. It’s the unseen work that shapes everything else. 

Walking in Christ is the actual round, each throw shaped by the foundation beneath it. 

If the foundation is off, the walk will be off. If the foundation is solid, the walk reflects it. 

The bottom line is, Jesus tells you where to stay. Paul tells you how to move. 

Paul reinforces this in Colossians 2:7, where he describes what a real “walk in Him” looks like. He says those who walk in Christ are rooted in Him, built up in Him, and established in the faith. In other words, the evidence of a true walk is a life anchored to Christ, growing through Christ, and stabilized by Christ. These aren’t commands we try to manufacture — they’re the natural results of abiding. When the root is healthy, the walk becomes steady. When the connection is strong, the fruit becomes visible. Paul isn’t giving us more to do; he’s showing us what Christ produces in those who stay close to Him. 

Reflection #1 

Where are you trying to “walk” without first “abiding” or 

asking God for fruit while neglecting the root? 

Reflection #2 

Where are you trying to live for Christ instead of living fromChrist? 

The Christian life isn’t powered by effort — it’s powered by attachment. 

The branch doesn’t strain to produce grapes; it simply stays connected. 

Maybe the most spiritual thing you can do today is slow down, breathe, and stay close to the Vine. 

Think about these things as we go, throw to the glory of God. 

Prayer 

Father, we see from Your word that if we are going to reflect Your love to the world, we must abide in Your Son and walk in him. We can do this because Your word says You are at  work in us both to will and to do. Help us to stay in Your word so we can see what You desire for us and what You want us to do. Thank You for Your Son and his sacrifice that we may have life eternal. 

In Your name, we pray. 

Amen 

Steve Franklin PDGA #194303