Feb
26
2010
Forgotten God – Chapter 5 – A Real Relationship
Author: pastoroffishingRecently I have been asking the question to my personal self, “How is my relationship to God size up to the disciples and Christ?” Asking this question can result in a variety of answers, but the one that I know is common is secure. Chapter 5 delves into the concept of having a real relationship with God and specifically the Holy Spirit. Chan points out very vividly the concept of being “known” by God as we see in Galatians 4:9. ( Galatians is a book that truly can rock your world if you choose to dig into it.) The concept of having a relationship with God that is secure is very crucial in our existence as a human created in God’s image.
What does it mean to be known by God? This is the theme we see in the beginning. We see a deep picture of how God can know us and what that means to be His child. This is very different than a slave as is pointed out. This means that our toils in life are not to just be a “servant” of God but actually part of the family! How many times have I turned my faith into a works based attitude…instead of my works being the product of my relationship?
Do we view our faith as we live in exile in our own country? The story of the South Korean missionary that was held hostage. Do we have that zeal about our faith everyday? I am starting to beg this question of my own life…can I truly look at each day in a way that is in relationship with God where the Holy Spirit is my life line?
Lately in life things have been hitting me and I have to deal with them on a daily basis. The pastorate is one that is very misunderstood by many and frankly I am seeing it in a whole new light as well. What will NEF look like in 5 years if the major attitude is to be Spirit lead…and we are truly not concerned about our security in heaven as much as knowing our God as He knows us!
Lets talk about the volume of life for a moment…I am finding more and more how I can focus my world and keep the volume low when it comes to the noise. I am learning to be focussed and not get into the multitasking funk of life. It is in this anxiety of “doing” that we lose our “being”. Are we taking the time to relax and enjoy our lives as well? Are we finding the peace within the noise?
One final point I really want to hit on…Do not let your baggage get in the way of your relationship with Christ!
This past week in particular I have talked to a few people where their pasts were holding them back from their future. God loves to recycle our junk and make beautiful ornate creations…so let Him! We didn’t call Him the creator for nothing. I can’t stress enough how our pasts can drag us down unless we just give it up and move on! We have so much to enjoy with the Lord if we just let go of the past and fly on!
