We say with a little depression in our voices, “Some things never change.” It usually has to do with the small annoyances in life which our family, friends and coworkers bring into our experience. “Bob is ten minutes late again - some things never change”.
There is an upside to “Some things never change.” For the disciple of Jesus, some things never change. God’s faithfulness never changes. Our standing with God because of Christ’s death and resurrection never changes. Our purpose in life never changes!
In the sermon of December 31st, I talked about the single-minded pursuit of Jesus Christ in our lives. In all the complexity that can be in the New Testament, Paul makes things very clear in Philippians 3:1-16. He wants to know Christ in the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings. He is honest about the fact he hasn’t gotten where he wants to be. He is acutely focused on his pursuit of knowing Christ and serving him. He uses Olympic language - he is like a racer with a single-minded obsession towards the finish line. That is discipleship - the whole-hearted pursuit of a passionate relationship with Jesus Christ, which affects every area of our lives.
Fortunately, the New Testament model for discipleship means we don’t have to figure out this purpose alone. We do it in great relationships with other Christians who influence and encourage us, while we do the same to others. I don’t have to sort out all the aspects of pursuing Christ without any help! And neither do you. Sometimes that’s the tough thing about being at a church - learning to get along with others! But it’s also the most rewarding thing - learning to follow Christ with the help of others. Do I need to say the phrase? Discipleship through relationship!
I saw a beautiful picture of it over Christmas. Some of our young adults were back in town and I saw some of the young men interact with their small group leaders from high school. The best moment for me was watching one of the young men who is a serious Christ follower himself right now, put his arm around his small group leader in obvious affection and encouragement. My allergies acted up in that moment. That’s what it looks like to follow Christ with others intimately involved in the process!
So, friends, Christ won you for himself and has the same purpose for you in 2018 as he did in every prior year. He calls you to know him, love him, trust him, and enjoy him more than ever. That relationship will shape every dimension of your daily life. And he designed the process so you always do this with others around you.
May all of 2018 be marked by your pursuit of the one who captured you for himself!
In Him,
Don