Our relationship with Jesus (3/23/04)

You're having guests over to your house - people you don't know very well. What's the first thing on your mind? If you're anything like me, the answer might be something like "Quick!! We need to straighten this place up!!" We want everything looking nice to make a good first impression. By the time we're done it doesn't look anything like a house where 3 kids live. Heaven forbid the guests start thinking we actually "dwell" in the house :)

Now think about when really close friends come over. People who perhaps come to your house several times a week. No longer do you worry. You've already become comfortable with them and don't mind them seeing how you really live.

Now think about your relationship with Jesus. Many Christians keep Jesus in the first category. However, he really wants to be our closest friend. He already knows the dirty rooms in the house, the pieces that are falling apart that should be rebuilt from scratch, the dark, dingy corners that you're trying to cleverly hide from plain view. Shouldn't we treat him like that special friend who knows us so well? He knows things about your "house" that you don't even know.

So this Wednesday, we are praying for our relationship with Christ. That it becomes deeper, more open, and more authentic. While we're at it, let's pray for the relationships of all our brothers and sisters as well.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob