SOUNDING OUT:
Growing in Committed Relationships
We find great fulfillment in life when
instead of living unto ourselves we live unto him whom
died for us and rose again so we could have newness
of life. This new quality of life and living expresses
itself in the relationships we have. Since we are new
creations in Christ, we should act like it. Our relationship
with God our Father should make a profound difference
in our relationships with people.
II Corinthians
5:14-23
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus
judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
15 And that he died for
all, that they which live should not henceforth live
unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and
rose again.
16 Wherefore henceforth
know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have
known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know
we him no more.
17 Therefore if any man
be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed
away; behold, all things are become new.
18 And all things are of
God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ,
and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 To wit, that God was
in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing
their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto
us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then we are ambassadors
for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we
pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
21 For he hath made him
to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be
made the righteousness of God in him.
II Corinthians
6:1-3
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also
that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
2 (For he saith, I have
heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation
have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time;
behold, now is the day of salvation.)
3 Giving no offence in any
thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
Paul was a minister. He
had a ministry. He performed a service within a community
of believers. Although he was not always perfect, he
tried his best to serve others. He often put the needs
of others above his own personal needs and wants.
Acts 20:24:
But none of these things move me, neither count I my
life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course
with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of
the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of
God.
Paul was ever so thankful
for the privilege God extended him to serve and minister
to God’s people.
I Timothy 1:12:
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled
me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into
the ministry;
After God’s Word
our most precious commodity is God’s people. We,
as a body or community of believers, are responsible
to grow up together building strong disciples with brave
faith and good character. The primary green house for
our growth is the ekklesia, the church, a community
of believers. Our primary laboratories of learning are
committed relationships. Our first primary laboratory
for learning is our personal family.
Colossians 3:1-25:
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which
are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of
God.
2 Set your affection on
things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your
life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our
life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him
in glory.
5 Mortify therefore your
members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness,
inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness,
which is idolatry:
6 For which things' sake
the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7 In the which ye also walked
some time, when ye lived in them.
8 But now ye also put off
all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication
out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another,
seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10 And have put on the new
man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of
him that created him:
11 Where there is neither
Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian,
Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as
the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies,
kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another,
and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel
against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do
ye.
14 And above all these things
put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of
God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called
in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ
dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do
in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
18 Wives, submit yourselves
unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives,
and be not bitter against them.
20 Children, obey your parents
in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
21 Fathers, provoke not
your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
22 Servants, obey in all
things your masters according to the flesh; not with
eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart,
fearing God:
23 And whatsoever ye do,
do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
24 Knowing that of the Lord
ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for
ye serve the Lord Christ.
25 But he that doeth wrong
shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and
there is no respect of persons.
Verses 18-23
all refer to committed relationships. That is where we
see most of our growth. When we are alone, it’s
easy to incorrectly evaluate how we are doing. I can watch
a war movie and find myself moved to tears by the sacrifice
I see people make and tell myself what a compassionate
person I am. Then let me spend time with someone who annoys
me, and it’s amazing just how easily I experience
“compassion fatigue.”
In community we find out how we are really doing
and how much transformation we still need to make. When
we place ourselves in small committed groups of believers
the potential for personal and communal growth is increased
exponentially. In committed relationships there are responsibilities
and accountabilities. Holding fast to God’s Word
and encouraging one another provides an excellent way
to grow in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The difference
between being in a group and being in a transforming community
is our commitment level. The more commitment we invest,
the greater the return will be on our investment.
If you want to change your group to a transforming
community, be the first to step up your level of commitment.
Let the love of Christ constrain you. Act responsibly
and hold one another accountable to do the same. Then
prepare to grow in the nurturing environment of a committed
household of God.
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