As Christians we are to keep first things first, and Christ is always first! We are to learn of Him, think like Him, follow after Him, live for Him, become like Him, and reflect Him to others. However, we can’t do that if we are so occupied with self and entangled with the world that we are unable to live in communion with Him. Abiding in Christ is the key to everything. Apart from the vine the branches can do nothing, and thus become good for nothing. The importance of our union with Christ is pictured well in these words by James Smith in 1840:
“By nature we are without Christ and are far from Him; by grace we accept His invitation, and come to Him feeling our need of Him. We are brought to see that nothing but union to Jesus can make us safe and happy; and to give up ourselves to Him, praying to be one in Him; He receives us, sheds abroad His love in our heart, and we become members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones. He then bids us abide in Him, which we do by living in absolute dependence upon Him; by cleaving to Him in love as our beloved Saviour, God, and Friend; by openly professing our attachment to Him, and expectations from Him; by walking in daily fellowship and communion with Him; and by identifying our cause with His. Beloved, we must abide in Jesus if we would get sin mortified; our graces nourished; our lusts subdued; obtain victory over the world; prove a match for Satan; and obtain all necessary supplies. Abiding in Jesus will give us a single eye; a burning zeal; holy discretion; and enable us to seize all opportunities to glorify His adorable name.”
