As you may have deduced from the title of this post, there will be multiple parts (I apologize for the misleading post of times past that led my readers to believe pictures were imminent. Someday, hopefully). The inspiration for this series of posts stems from my time working for Waterstreet Ministries as their Resident Assistant. While serving in that position one of my responsibilities was to "pinch-hit" for evening chapel partners if, and when, they did not show up. Needless to say, I had to always be ready because I never knew if and when the partners would not show up, which definitely led to some "pins and needles" emotions around 7 p.m. every evening. Occasionally, I had forewarning, but there were definitely times of at 7 p.m. away I'd go! (reminiscent of the 'good old days in Bibleschool' when one was notified they were conducting the next days chapel service the night before--that would have been nice in my case!)
My observations of other partners led me on the following train of thought. Many in the audience are believers and are at various stages in their walk. That fact, combined with the presence of non-believers called for a unique approach in ministering to both present. What better pool of topics than theological terms that have been thrown around (by others) as if everybody knows what they actually mean? I commenced upon a series of talks where I endeavored to simplify deep theological topics that some used as if they were candy. Words such as, "grace" and "saved" were dissected with various media and discussion questions in an effort to make them more understandable and relevant to those present. My own inadequacy in presenting these topics from the "hip" was very evident, as all I had to go on was the thoughts I had been meditating on since the last opportunity to speak (with the occasional forewarning, I was able to spend a little more time in preparation).
Anyway, this topic is a continuation of that series, but instead I want to take one word and dissect it letter by letter (each post will vary in length and depth, and I may even go back and expound deeper as additional insights arise). My goal is that each week I'll write a new post for the following letter using insights learned not only from my past experience at Waterstreet, but also drawing from my current everyday life, the scriptures, and other sources. I trust these posts will be a source of blessing, insight, encouragement, and spur each one of you onto greater heights with God. May each one find the reality of Habakkuk 3:19 true in your own experience (yes, I'm going to make you go read it).
Now, onto the presentation of the word/thought for this post. Appropriate drum-roll please...the word is "Christian" and the theme thought is, "what does it mean to be a C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N?"
C---
Tackling the first letter in this word sets the tone for the following letters. I can think of no better 'tone-setting' meaning attached to this letter than that of being a Christian means one must be a Christ-follower. This means there can be no higher object, goal, calling, or life-purpose that is ahead of being a following of Jesus. Nothing in life can or should dissuade, distract, or deter this follower from following Jesus. Believe me, this thought is much easier said, than done. I am not presenting this from the standpoint of one who has achieved, but as one who is in progress. The fact of the matter is, scripture also confirms this thought in the following thought, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." In other words, nothing comes between Jesus and one of his followers. If, and when, something does creep in and sullies or sours the relationship, we must do everything in our power to clear the channels with our Captain. In the new testament Jesus' relationship with his disciples was a great picture of what we should each be striving for here on earth. Disciple is another word meaning follower, which presents us with new insights and appreciation for the twelve called by that name. They were blessed indeed to spend every moment they could with Jesus!
Another important point needed at this juncture is to clarify a monumental need for a follower of Jesus in fact, one can not be a follower of Jesus without this important need: that of relationship. In an effort to boil it down to its essence, being a Christian means one has a relationship with Jesus Christ. It also means that a believer has a relationship with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. (I apologize if at this point confusion has been introduced, rather than clarified. Please bear with me to my point). The point is this, we as human beings can understand what a relationship is. Whether it be family relationships, relationships with friends, neighbors, acquaintances, enemies or whomever, we all can understand what it means to have a relationship with someone else here on earth. The kicker is, do we understand what it means to have a relationship with the God of the Universe? We seem to think that when it comes to developing a relationship with Jesus, we must re-invent the wheel and create new and fantastical ways of culling that relationship. Let me put it this way. If you were looking to marry someone and spend the rest of your life with that individual, wouldn't you want to spend some time getting to know them? That's the answer! Time. Yes, you really do have time, it's just a matter of how you choose to use it. Our inner being screams for that which we cannot find in others, yet we can find in God; meaning, purpose, and satisfaction. With that truth reverberating through your eyes, I think the petty excuse for why you can not spend time with Jesus should be just about turned to ashes in your mouth. Dry cisterns can't hold water so stop trying to build them. Developing a relationship with Jesus will cause a fount of living water to spread from you out to others. I think that choice has been clarified sufficiently.
This is an insight that has been clarified for me recently. When I was in Bible school in NH one of my sagacious teachers shared with me a tidbit of wisdom that I've remembered ever since. He shared with me how he loved Sabbath (Saturday) mornings because he could get up and spend time with God, without any time limit to that communion. I've recently felt very spiritually thirsty, and I've recognized that I've been short-changing Jesus in my own life, so I sought to put that thought into practice. It was incredible!
In summary, first and foremost being a Christian means one is a following of Jesus Christ or a "Christ-follower". Similarly to what it takes to develop a relationship with someone else here on earth, it takes time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ. Time that is well spent! Until next time.