Revolutions and Relationships
Oftentimes, I find that as Christians we confuse what it means to have a relationship with God versus having a personal relationship with God. There are many types of relationships in this world, but none of them are the same. The mistake is often made when Christians talk of a "relationship with Jesus Christ". That could mean anything to someone who has no experience with that which we are referring to.
In fact, there are a lot of relationships that people may first think of, depending on what they've gone through in their lives. For example, like it or not, children have a relationship with their abusive parents. It's not a healthy relationship, it's not a loving relationship, but nonetheless it's a relationship. People also have relationships with their cheating spouses. Again, it's not desirable, it's heartbreaking, but it's still a relationship. Children have relationships with the schoolyard bully that pounds them for everything they've got. We have relationships with our enemies that go against us at every opportunity. We have a relationship with our loved ones that turn their backs on our love and walk away anytime they don't like what we have to offer. So how do we go about explaining to others what a "relationship with Christ" is like if those are the types of things that come to their minds when they hear the word "relationship"?
In order to help others understand, it is vital that we ourselves learn what it means to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. It's time that we as followers of Jesus revolutionize our walk with Him - and by revolutionize, I mean to change our lives to revolve solely around Him.
Think of it this way: What if you were married and your husband or wife treated you like you were just another teacher, just another friend, or just another acquaintance you met on the street one day? I would think that would be at least a little disconcerting to you. However, if Christ is not the center of our lives, then this is precisely what we are doing to Him.
In the Bible, the church is described as the Bride of Christ. It's a rather romantic idea isn't it? I guess so, on the surface at least. When you start to dig a little deeper, though, it begins to disgust us. It's nothing He did. It's all on us. We treat Him like trash. Like He's not hurt by the things we do and the way we treat each other. Like He doesn't see what we do behind His back. Sometimes, like He doesn't even exist at all.
Think back to a couple of the examples I gave above like the schoolyard bully, the unfaithful lover, and the apathetic loved one. If and when these things describe our relationship with Christ, it is only because we are the ones failing Him.
If we can begin to revolutionize the way we live for Him and the way we go about sharing Him with others, then the true meaning of our relationship with Him will become clear to those around us. Our lives will become so much more fruitful for His glory and we will become the light we are meant to be.
He is the center. If your life and your passions are not revolving around Him and manifesting His glory, then you are lost in space and only His gravity can save you.
But seek first the Kingdom of God and all of these things will be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
For I am sure that neither life nor death, nor angels or rulers, or things present or things to come, nor height nor depth, or anything else in all of creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
...as it is my eager hope and expectation that I will not be at all ashamed, but with full courage that Christ will now and always be honored in my body, whether by life or death. For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:20-21
In fact, there are a lot of relationships that people may first think of, depending on what they've gone through in their lives. For example, like it or not, children have a relationship with their abusive parents. It's not a healthy relationship, it's not a loving relationship, but nonetheless it's a relationship. People also have relationships with their cheating spouses. Again, it's not desirable, it's heartbreaking, but it's still a relationship. Children have relationships with the schoolyard bully that pounds them for everything they've got. We have relationships with our enemies that go against us at every opportunity. We have a relationship with our loved ones that turn their backs on our love and walk away anytime they don't like what we have to offer. So how do we go about explaining to others what a "relationship with Christ" is like if those are the types of things that come to their minds when they hear the word "relationship"?
In order to help others understand, it is vital that we ourselves learn what it means to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. It's time that we as followers of Jesus revolutionize our walk with Him - and by revolutionize, I mean to change our lives to revolve solely around Him.Think of it this way: What if you were married and your husband or wife treated you like you were just another teacher, just another friend, or just another acquaintance you met on the street one day? I would think that would be at least a little disconcerting to you. However, if Christ is not the center of our lives, then this is precisely what we are doing to Him.
In the Bible, the church is described as the Bride of Christ. It's a rather romantic idea isn't it? I guess so, on the surface at least. When you start to dig a little deeper, though, it begins to disgust us. It's nothing He did. It's all on us. We treat Him like trash. Like He's not hurt by the things we do and the way we treat each other. Like He doesn't see what we do behind His back. Sometimes, like He doesn't even exist at all.
Think back to a couple of the examples I gave above like the schoolyard bully, the unfaithful lover, and the apathetic loved one. If and when these things describe our relationship with Christ, it is only because we are the ones failing Him.
If we can begin to revolutionize the way we live for Him and the way we go about sharing Him with others, then the true meaning of our relationship with Him will become clear to those around us. Our lives will become so much more fruitful for His glory and we will become the light we are meant to be.
He is the center. If your life and your passions are not revolving around Him and manifesting His glory, then you are lost in space and only His gravity can save you.
But seek first the Kingdom of God and all of these things will be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
For I am sure that neither life nor death, nor angels or rulers, or things present or things to come, nor height nor depth, or anything else in all of creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
...as it is my eager hope and expectation that I will not be at all ashamed, but with full courage that Christ will now and always be honored in my body, whether by life or death. For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:20-21
Do not love the world or the things of this world, for anyone who loves the world does not have the love of the Father in him. For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not from the Father but from the world. And this world is passing along with its desires, but whoever does the will of the Lord lives forever.
1 John 2: 15-17
1 John 2: 15-17
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