"Of Christ"..?

As many of you know we started another round of our Small Group Sessions here at Graham St. Church last night. Man oh Man, what a refreshing and rejuvenating experience this is. I am not sure how many of you are plugged into a Small Group as of yet. If you are you know how up-lifting of an experience this is. If you are not in one of the groups I strongly encourage you to get engaged in one. Jessica, the kids and I have just finished our first full week here in Stephenville and have eagerly awaited the time on Sunday nights to share in this experience and last night started out with a bang--and a big bang, I should say.

In my group, we discussed what it means to be “Of Christ."  When you think about this idea, I am sure many things come to mind.  I know for me personally, it really tugs at my intellect and stretches my faith. What does “Of Christ” really mean for us? How authentic and genuine are we? Are we pew sitter people that have crafty ways to deceive ourselves and others to think we are “Of Christ,” but really are not? Where do our hearts stand in relation to this concept?

Jesus is relational.  He expects us as human beings to ultimately have and want to have a relationship with him. He also expects us to have a relationship with others. When you are intimate with someone else, you trust them enough to share your secrets. As God, Jesus already knows everything about you anyway, but when you choose to tell him what’s hidden deep within you, it proves you trust him. Trust is hard. You’ve probably been betrayed by other people, and when that happened, maybe you swore you’d never open up again. But Jesus loved you and trusted you first. He laid down his life for you. That sacrifice has earned him your trust. Many of my secrets are sad, and maybe yours are too. It hurts to bring them up again and give them to Jesus, but that is the path to intimacy.

If you want the closest of relationships with Jesus and others, you have to risk opening your heart. There’s no other way but this to be “Of Christ." Christ wants to fellowship with His creation. His Word says that if we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us (James 4:8). This process does not have to be difficult; it just has to be sincere and consistent. Each day, throughout the course of your day, give of yourself to Him, and just as the Word promises, He will respond.

Jesus, thank you for loving us. Help us to have the same unconditional love for others that you had for us. Soften our hearts so that we are genuine in being “Of Christ.” Shape our paths that we are always conscious of living for you and others. In your most Holy Name, Amen.

Landon Kribbs

Stephenville, Texas