Beyond the Surface

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.  John 1:17-18

As Christians, we struggle to talk openly about Jesus Christ to nonbelievers.  The question that we tend to fight with is how best do we do this?    Through devotionals, I do my best to promote Him through my writings, but this only supports those who already believe.  If I shout out to the rooftops about what God has done for me, anyone who does not know God would think I might be a little off (some of you might already think that  J).  I understand that if it is what God compelled me to do, seeming a little crazy should not matter.  However, one true way to share Christ with others that tends to never fail is simply by getting to know them.  It is easy from a distance to say someone is following a wrongful and destructive path because that does not require any commitment to our having a relationship with them.  But who truly has the power to change another?  Is it someone who yells from afar ‘repent’ or someone who knows you deep inside and out who says, “This must change?”

Transformative relationships requires a sound relationship with Christ.  Jesus Christ speaks numerous times not only about knowing us (i.e. the shepherd) but also knowing God from the beginning.   Through His relationship with God, He was able to build deep relationships that changed others’ lives.  While we ourselves are certainly not God the Father or Son, we do carry the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.  Through our relationship with Christ, we can share His love, truth, power, and grace to both believers and nonbelievers.  It is through sharing these things that will build a foundation by which any conversation, either faith based or influential, is indeed possible.

God is made known through those who know Him best.  Jesus asked His disciples to follow Him, but did so after giving to others through miracles and acts of kindness and grace.  We are to give of ourselves so as to win others over.  Apostle Paul said, “I became like one not having the law, so as to win those not having the law.” (1 Corinthians 9:21)  He is certainly not condoning lawlessness.  Rather he is saying that because he knows Christ, he can reach out to those without the law in their hearts and connect with them to share the Gospel.  It’s the connection that matters.  Is your relationship with Christ strong enough to reach out to others?  What relationship can you foster toward a mutual understanding of Jesus Christ?  My prayer is that we go beyond the surface to build meaningful relationships with others through Jesus Christ.  Amen.