The branch on the vine

" For, alas! is it not often true that our work comes between us and Jesus? What folly! The very work that He has to do in me, and I for Him, I take up in such a way that it separates me from Christ. Many a laborer in the vineyard has complained that he has too much work, and not time for close communion with Jesus, and that his usual work weakens his inclination for prayer, and that his too much intercourse with men darkens the spiritual life. Sad thought, that the bearing of fruit should separate the branch from the vine! That must be because we have looked upon our work as something other than the branch bearing fruit. May God deliver us from every false thought about the Christian life."— Andrew Murray

<idle musing>
Get on the wheel, you hamster! Round and round it goes, but you get nowhere fast—except exhausted.

How many burned out christians do you know? They are trying to live the Christian life by themselves. It has never worked, and it certainly isn't going to start working now! Abide in Jesus. Let him be the vine; you be content to be the branch. You aren't responsible for growth, the vine is. Relax!
</idle musing>