Jesus said, "abide in me..." 

     Fruits attached to a tree or vine are able to remain healthy and not wither. But once separated from the plant, they begin to deteriorate. This happens because fungi and bacteria, present in and on all living tissue, remains inactive until the fruit begins to die. The dying process begins the moment the produce is picked. Once picked, fungi and bacteria release digestive chemicals called enzymes which attack the fruit's skin and absorb its molecules directly into their own cells. This process ruptures the cells of the produce's skin causing it to ooze its liquid content. This accounts for the slimy condition of rotting fruits.
     Like fruit on its vine, Christians also are able to remain healthy and fresh as long as we remain attached to our vine, Jesus Christ. For, "blessed is the man... (whose) ...delight is in... the Lord... He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers... his leaf... shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper" (Ps 1:1,2,3).