Committed Relationship

Recently the Christian community has been challenged by young pastors calling us to be more than a fan and more radical in our walks. These challenges have struck a chord especially with younger Christians who are looking for something more life changing in their walk. 

It’s important to recognize that these calls are not for a different basis for Christianity but a different level. We recognize that Christianity, unlike any other “religion” is relationship based. We are called into relationship with Jesus. The problem has been that we have become satisfied with shallow relationships, without permanence or commitment. We have lost sight in the truth that joy comes from committed relationships. 

It’s common now to judge relationships on “What Do I get out of it?” When we no longer “benefit” from the relationship we toss it out and move on to another. Such a view of relationship can never produce the fullness of joy that’s possible.

I enjoy those I love. I am blessed by their attention. I am touched by their affection and motivated by their energy and enthusiasm. But my relationship also includes a deep desire for the best for them. I am blessed not only by what I get out of the relationship but by what I put into it. Relationships like this grow and deepen with time. They don’t fizzle during the times when what I put in seems much more than what I get out. 

Christianity is a relationship with Jesus. It starts very one sided. He died for us, forgives our sins, turns our sorrows into joy. We can become satisfied with that and put the relationship on a shelf, enjoying the gifts but never really growing in relationship. We stop at being fans of Jesus, appreciative of what He’s done. A deeper relationship is one in which our knowledge of Him increases, our love for Him deepens and our desire to live for Him grows. We become followers instead of fans. Ordinary lives become radical. 

There is a danger that we will hear from these exciting young pastors only the surface of their messages: that there should be more in our walk. That will lead only to uncertainty and frustration if we don’t hear that the “more” rises from the relationship. It’s not that we are to do more; but that He is to do more in and through us. It means being more “in” Christ.

The more radical life of a follower grows from a deeper knowledge of and relationship with Jesus.

Be blessed.

Nick