We are called to live a Christian life. It’s all about relationship, vertical, with our God, and horizontal, with mankind. If we are to spread the gospel, we need to talk less and live more. This life requires that we make vital decisions: to know, to sacrifice, to accept and to forgive.
The decision to know. We can’t really claim to be in relationship unless we know the object of our relationship. In scripture this is often referred to as fellowship. We can’t know others until we first know God. “But if we are living in the light of God’s presence, just as Christ is, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from every sin.” 1 John 1:7. Real fellowship begins with life in Christ. More about this tomorrow. Spend some time in 1 John today and begin to meditate on it.
The decision to sacrifice. Any relationship that doesn’t begin with the idea that I am going to give something is doomed. Too many relationships begin with the idea, how great this is for me. We must decide we are going to give.
The decision to accept. This one seems a particular challenge for the ladies. They are willing to take on a new man in their lives who isn’t perfect, but who is someone they can work with. If there is to be real relationship, we have to be really to accept the other for who he is. He may change, but first comes acceptance.
The decision to forgive. Any relationship worth anything will bring pain. If we don’t enter in ready to forgive, we want be able to really live.
At Amana yesterday we were called to a positive gospel, through which we comfort and edify each other. Let’s look at 1Thessalonians 5 in context. 9] For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,[10] who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.[11] Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
The life we are called to live with each other in mutual edification and comfort begins with life together with Him. Are we ready to know, sacrifice, accept and forgive in order to have that life He promises?
Nick
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