"THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART"
Romans 10:8
There is an indirect question that when asked it has the potential to cause the human heart to either explode or implode; one in which an even deeper question lingers reaching into the depths of the soul far beneath our polished façade.
It is simply this:
Not a difficult request, and one that will bring tears to the eyes of one group, but daze into the eyes of another, and still to another…an abrupt eye roll.
One group excitedly shares of the mercy and grace of their beloved Savior, and the joy of what He has done. The second group searches frantically for words to cover the evidence of an inactive faith, while a third group will reject the statement altogether, turning their backs and walking away.
At a luncheon many years ago, a woman posed this same subtle internal review to me, catching me completely off guard. She wasn't intentionally "trapping" me." She was a precious woman who assumed because I was at a Christian function that I must have a testimony ready to share. I am certain my half-baked answer revealed my deficient and “works-based” soul.
I told her of my years of working in church nurseries, attending an occasional Bible study, endured…or...uh-hum...enjoyed a ladies retreat, and as many other “churchy” things I could quickly think of to fill the awkward gap. The look on her face told me she was much more perceptive than I was clever.
“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12)
I have found it is actually easier to accept the response of those in the third group who answer with the most candid of reactions. I had one man throw his hand and say, “Ehhhh…I just don’t get into that religious stuff.” That candor is actually more refreshing than the covert responses of the second group. Equally revealing—just more honest.
Jesus asked His disciples a similar question when He said, “But who do you say that I am?” (Matt. 16:15)
It seems many people, even some within the church love to talk about “God”, but mentioning the name of JESUS quickly thins out the crowd. I have also found that for those who have a personal testimony, they cannot wait to share it with “anyone who asks them to give an account of the hope that is in them.” (1 Peter 3:15)
“So now…tell me about your relationship with Christ.”
Are you ready to give an account? Could you tell others about your relationship with Jesus Christ if they were to ask? If you feel a bit uneasy…good. Now you know. Let’s get started!
Father God, I thank you that Jesus Christ provides us a testimony of the power and glory of Your salvation. He provides righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Father, forgive us for our spiritual laziness and apathy, for allowing the things of the world to crowd You out little by little until there is so little reflection of You in our lives, we can no longer boldly speak of You. Even church, Father, or more so “religion” can overshadow Your true call for us, fooling us into a false security. Only through You Jesus, do we find our true Salvation. Revive the weary; stir up the lethargic; open blind eyes; enlighten the deceived; expose the religious spirits; RESTORE us to the joy of Your salvation, Father, giving us a bold testimony for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
It is simply this:
“So…tell me about your relationship with Christ.”
Not a difficult request, and one that will bring tears to the eyes of one group, but daze into the eyes of another, and still to another…an abrupt eye roll.
One group excitedly shares of the mercy and grace of their beloved Savior, and the joy of what He has done. The second group searches frantically for words to cover the evidence of an inactive faith, while a third group will reject the statement altogether, turning their backs and walking away.
At a luncheon many years ago, a woman posed this same subtle internal review to me, catching me completely off guard. She wasn't intentionally "trapping" me." She was a precious woman who assumed because I was at a Christian function that I must have a testimony ready to share. I am certain my half-baked answer revealed my deficient and “works-based” soul.
I told her of my years of working in church nurseries, attending an occasional Bible study, endured…or...uh-hum...enjoyed a ladies retreat, and as many other “churchy” things I could quickly think of to fill the awkward gap. The look on her face told me she was much more perceptive than I was clever.
“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12)
I have found it is actually easier to accept the response of those in the third group who answer with the most candid of reactions. I had one man throw his hand and say, “Ehhhh…I just don’t get into that religious stuff.” That candor is actually more refreshing than the covert responses of the second group. Equally revealing—just more honest.
Jesus asked His disciples a similar question when He said, “But who do you say that I am?” (Matt. 16:15)
It seems many people, even some within the church love to talk about “God”, but mentioning the name of JESUS quickly thins out the crowd. I have also found that for those who have a personal testimony, they cannot wait to share it with “anyone who asks them to give an account of the hope that is in them.” (1 Peter 3:15)
“So now…tell me about your relationship with Christ.”
Are you ready to give an account? Could you tell others about your relationship with Jesus Christ if they were to ask? If you feel a bit uneasy…good. Now you know. Let’s get started!
Father God, I thank you that Jesus Christ provides us a testimony of the power and glory of Your salvation. He provides righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Father, forgive us for our spiritual laziness and apathy, for allowing the things of the world to crowd You out little by little until there is so little reflection of You in our lives, we can no longer boldly speak of You. Even church, Father, or more so “religion” can overshadow Your true call for us, fooling us into a false security. Only through You Jesus, do we find our true Salvation. Revive the weary; stir up the lethargic; open blind eyes; enlighten the deceived; expose the religious spirits; RESTORE us to the joy of Your salvation, Father, giving us a bold testimony for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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