Abiding in Christ, a Continual Story

Back in February we started talking about what it means to truly abide in Christ.  I shared how I wanted to know God intimately instead of know about God  (read here)  We explored many of the Names of God, talked about how idols can get in the way of our relationship with Christ,  and how we want our lives to make a difference in the world.  There were many other posts, intriguing comments, and interactions that made me think differently about the all-important topic of abiding in Christ.




One thing I realized was that abiding in Christ is a continual process.  It isn't something we can master in a day or even a year.  Abiding is a lifetime story.  Every single minute we must make the decision to either live for Christ or live for ourselves.
Thus, each post I write that touches on an area we struggle in, an aspect of the power of God, or anything else relating to having a heart like His will ultimately be about abiding - living every moment for Jesus Christ our Lord.

But over the next few weeks, I want to focus on a slightly different topic.  It's another area of life that we often struggle in... thus, it's also related to the journey of becoming more like Christ.  Yet before we move on I want to discuss what abiding is.  I also want to hear how you are building a personal, intimate relationship with Christ each and every day.
Here are some questions to get conversation started, but I want you to just share your heart.  Share what God has been showing you in this area.  And please comment on other reader's thoughts as well so we can share fellowship together. =)
How do you define "abiding in Christ"?  Do you believe it encompasses every aspect of life?
What is the hardest part of remaining focused on the eternal?  What distractions often arise that you need to fight with the Sword of the Spirit?  What "good" things do you need to replace with the "best" things?
Is it easier for you to make Godly decisions when they are big, life-changing decisions or small, every day decisions?  How can abiding in Christ influence the decisions we make?
Do you ever find yourself becoming burned out because you serve God too much instead of just focusing on Him and building a relationship?  Do you find yourself sometimes in a Saber (know of) relationship instead of a Conocer (know intimately) relationship with God?  What changes should we make?

Here's another side of the spectrum:   Because we want our lives to make a difference in the world how can we make that practical and start right now?  Today?  Does it help you to make goals, have accountability, etc.?

Let's share together before we move on to another subject.  =)  How are YOU striving to abide in Christ?