What does it mean to abide?

“ 23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.” – , ESV

“ 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. “ – , ESV

What does it mean to abide in Christ?  Perhaps we should start more simply… what does it mean to abide in anything?  What is this word, abide?  The Greek origin μένω, or  menō, translates to “to stay, abide, remain,” so we know that it’s accurate to the origin, but it’s not helping with this question, so let’s look at a dictionary definition for a moment.

Full Definition of ABIDE (Taken from Merriam-Webster)|
transitive verb

1:  to wait for :  await

    2 a:  to endure without yielding :  withstand
b:  to bear patiently :  tolerate <cannot abide such bigots>

3:  to accept without objection <will abide your decision>

intransitive verb

1:  to remain stable or fixed in a state

2:  to continue in a place :  sojourn

    — abid·er noun

    — abide by

1:  to conform to <abide by the rules>

2:  to acquiesce in <will abide by your decision>

Based on the form of the statement “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you,” it’s  pretty safe to assume that the ideal english meaning of the word in this case is either “to remain stable or fixed in a state” or “to continue in a place,” which is curiously synonymous with “sojourn,” a word mentioned many, many times in Exodus, both about the Israelites in Egypt, and others that may take their leave amongst them  (, , , , , , , , ), and then even more in Leviticus.

Ok, so that was curiously academic.  No matter, onward!  With abide meaning “to continue in a place,” it’s safe to assume that Jesus was saying, simply, “if you remain in me, and my words remain in you,” or, if you stay in me, and my words are close to your heart, then “ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you.”

Awesome.  We have a blank check!  Just remember what Jesus said, and I can get everything I’ve ever wanted!  All I have to do is ask!  Right?

Not so fast there, brother (or sister)!  Think about that definition for a second… His words must stay in you too – it’s not just a matter of ‘remembering’ – it’s also a matter of doing, and living, those words.  Just as you can’t stay in a place without being truly present there – nor can Christ’s words ‘stay in you’ without having some sort of effect.

So – if Christ’s words truly abide in you – then your actions, desires and wants will reflect that – and what you ask for, will be within the will of God.

Do you find yourself asking for things that are oft not answered?