We are working through a sermon series right now on the focus of our church. We began with setting the foundation that our focus should be God’s mission. We looked to Matthew 28:19-20 as a foundation for understanding that mission. We need to remember that God’s mission has a church, not the other way around.
Yesterday, we talked about being an apprentice of Jesus – making it a life passion to learn who he is and not just learn about him. It is about a relationship not religion. This week will take that a step farther and talk about how we should live in that relationship and how knowing Jesus should affect our choices and the way we live. Lecrae (@lecrae) is a Christian rap artist who has always inspired me (yes, I like all kinds of music). He does a song entitled, Go Hard. In that song, he asks the question, “If you didn’t know him, would your life look the same? Can they tell you value Jesus by the way you rep his name?”
Does your life reflect a relationship? Does the fact that you know Jesus really matter?
I need your help this week. I would love to use your examples in the sermon this week. I have a question I would like you to consider and get back to me. You can comment here or send me a message on Facebook or just email me. Either way – I would love to hear from you.
Here is the question: How does having a relationship with Jesus affect the way you live each day?
I look forward to your responses!
Clay in the Hands 
As I grow older and a little wiser I realize more each day the wonderful things God has given me to be thankful for. I am not speaking of riches. I speak of my children and seeing how God works in their lives and the new grandson I have. He had a rough start being born early and then hospitalized for RSV at a few weeks old. As a family and extended family we came together to pray fervently for his healing and that of his mother’s. Increasingly in the hospital strangers saw us in the lobby or elsewhere praying and crying and asked if they could join us in prayer. I was and still am overwhelmed with emotion of this. People of every kind of faith prayed together for our little one and his parents. Our relationship with Jesus certainly affected us thoughout this and was evident by all who watched us. Now my challenge as our grandson and his mother or healed through prayer and capable hands, is to keep Jesus out in front of me for all to see. I want others to want to pray with me over ordinary every day things. It’s easy to get caught up in the emotions of a family member that is ill and harder to let our light shine in everyday life. I am constantly working on that and encourage my family to do the same.
Thanks for sharing, Donna!
For me, my relationship with Jesus means that I approach others each day with a growing compassion for others. I hope that my caring shows as an outward sign of Jesus’ love for those with whom I interact..
[…] Comments « Does It Really Matter? […]
In 2010 as one after another of our family spent time in the hospital, some staring death in the face, our family drew closer to God. We begged for healing for our son-in-law when we knew that God alone could bring healing. We watched in complete awe as we saw God perform miracle after miracle and restore health. We knew God was almighty and our healer but until you truly live it you don’t really understand. God is very real in our family and I hope ist shows in each of us every day as we go about our lives.
Thanks for asking such a profound and important question, Brian. For me my relationship with Christ helps me keep my sense of perspective. If I am having a bad day and getting a lot of negative feedback or experiencing a lot of frustration I try to take a step back and ask myself what’s really important, what really matters? The Creator of all things loves me enough to send His Son to die for me, to show my how important I am. If some folks at work don’t like the way I do my job and Christ approves the way I live my life, well, I can live with that!
For me having a relationship with Jesus gives me peace. I know that no matter what life throws at me God is always in control even if I’m not (which is more than I care to admit). He loves me enough to walk with me every step of the way. He is always there for me to lean on, to cry on, to talk to. If the storms of life is what it takes to strengthen my relationship with Him then “Jesus send the rain” – (Mercy Me) so I can “Praise Him in the Storm” – (Casting Crowns) because I’m still on the “Right side of the dirt” – (Legacy Five). Christ is my strength. BTW I also like all kinds of music … except rap.