Check ups
Over the years, I've watched hero after Christian hero "crash"-- divorce, affairs, abuse...you name it. It made me angry and it scared me. It still scares me. It always leaves me realizing my own frailty and potential to "blow it."
I have been challenged with the Biblical principle of accountability. After the partner of a popular Christian singer was discovered in an affair he said, "The key to staying pure is accountability." He is absolutely right!
King Solomon wrote in the Bible, "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor, for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion...a cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
I guess there’s irony in Solomon writing those words in that he himself would fail miserably in his own idolatry. I’m thinking, “two are better, but only if I’m willing to listen to others’ advice.” I’m thinking Solomon was “flying solo” when he should have been relying on his friends and his God.
I don't want to fall. I want there to be true accountability in my life- friends to speak truth to me when I’m blind in a situation. I've always had good, close friends, but lately I’m making sure those relationships are up to date…lunch with an older mentor each week, dates with my wife Jeanie, monthly calls with my best friend in Nashville who knows me, and most of all, daily time with my best friend, Jesus.
As summer approaches, I’m making sure true friends surround me and are checking up on me. I need to be surrounded. I have to be surrounded.
Who surrounds you?
by Joseph Staples ©
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 04/07 at 11:47 AM
Imagine…. God, through Jesus, wants to be our friend. But it’s easy to jump back on the throne of the very life we once relinquished to Jesus and take back control. It’s the contrast between the spirit-controlled Christian and the carnal Christian. It’s not a salvation issue because when we receive Christ in our hearts, we are saved (sealed) for eternity (Eph. 1:13), instead it is a day-to-day contentment issue. Though the Holy Spirit is within us, we have the option to quench the Holy Spirit (1 Thess. 5:19).
I spoke with a friend yesterday who is struggling with his faith. “All the world’s religions seem kind of the same- they’re all really pretty similar. I don’t see how our religion is different?” We had a great discussion about how Christianity is not a religion, but a relationship. I reminded him about the counterfeits to Christianity that look great, but are not genuine and true.
American philosopher Sam Pascoe said, “Christianity began in Palestine as a fellowship (a relationship) and then moved to Greece and became a philosophy (way to think). Afterward, it moved onto Rome and became an institution (a place you go) and then to Europe where it became a culture (a way of life). Finally it settled in America where it has become an enterprise (a business).” Being a Christian is not a philosophy or enterprise. We have to be careful not to lose the relationship.
I love the relationship I have with my kids, Elizabeth and Eric. I just love being with them. I’m their dad, but they are my friends. They don’t have to do anything for me. I just want to be with them.
Jesus said, “…I have called you friends” (John 15:15). That’s what makes being a Christ follower different from any other “God arrangement” in the world.
How is your friendship with God doing today? Jesus is not a grouchy, over-weight coach or a frowning, never happy policeman. He is our friend. Enjoy the friendship with Jesus. Yes, it will change your life, not because you have to change, but because hanging out with Jesus just makes us better.
Go hang out with your friend, Jesus.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 04/12 at 10:45 AM
