Have you ever noticed how much you are influenced by the people you hang around? I mean, you have probably noticed it with your kids...especially if you have teenagers going through the whole "peer pressure" thing. But I am talking about the subconscious ways our companions rub off on us, just by association. For example, lately I have been spending a lot of time with a friend from Puerto Rico who often addresses me as, "Friend". All the sudden, I realize that now I am doing the same when I talk to friends. "Hello, friend. Good-bye, friend. Friend, I can't believe you did that!" (Incidentally, we also happen to have a mutual friend, and she, too, says, "Friend". Coincidence? I doubt it!)
While I was thinking about this phenomenon, I was hit by the simple yet profound thought: if we are so easily influenced by our companions, then how am I, as a Christian, influenced by Christ? Am I spending enough quality time with Him that His essence is rubbing off on me? How often do I feel discouraged ... or defeated ... in my spiritual life, and yet ...
I have a friend who is an amazingly disciplined Christian. Lately, she has been getting up at 5:00 AM every morning to spend time studying the Bible. I'm thinking, "5 AM! You have got to be kidding me! I would be like a zombie for, like, the rest of my life. I remember back to my high school days, when I used to try to wake up every morning at 6:00 to read my Bible before school. I would literally be slapping myself in the face just to stay awake! (And that was pre-kids!) But my friend has a close walk with Christ, not because she happens to get up at that (ungodly!) hour ... but because she has discovered the blessing of intimacy with her closest Friend. And it shows in her grounded nature and peaceful disposition.
SO often I still - consciously or unconsciously - approach my Christian life as a "to do list"... things I should do if I want to feel I am "ok" in the eyes of myself, my church, my family, my Christian friends ... "Did 5-minute Quiet Time. Check. Prayed for world peace. Check. Didn't yell at my neighbors annoying kid. Check. Went to church. Che...oh, wait a minute. I didn't go to church. Don't get a check for that one... But I think I still did ok overall. I mean, after all there's the whole "God's grace" thing ... too bad people are not so gracious; they just look down on you when you don't blah-blah-blah." (Am I the ONLY person who ever thinks this way? I mean, really? Please tell me I am not crazy all by myself!)
Of course I know "the Christian life is about relationship". But just because I've heard it repeatedly -- and understand it is the basis of my faith -- doesn't always mean it translates to my pea brain in very practical ways. So just in case anyone out there is as dense as I am, here is a reminder: The Christian life really is about R-E-L-A-T-I-O-N-S-H-I-P! I don't have to keep a list and check it twice ... I just need to make time to respond to the best friend I will ever have. As I enjoy Jesus' company, and make our friendship a priority, His personality and nature will naturally rub off on me. Duh!!!
I think sometimes as busy Americans living in an individualistic culture, we often forgo real relationship(s) for cheap substitutes. Let's face it: close relationships are a lot of work! Superficial relationships are soooo much easier: a wave at the ballgame; a three-minute conversation at the meat counter at the grocery store; a convenient carpool... Many of us are so busy that we don't have the time or resources to pursue very many significant friendships. But we were made for community; it helps us grow. And when we make it a priority to pursue deep friendships with at least a few people who have similar priorities, we realize, "Wow. This is so worth it."
The same is true of our respective relationships with Christ. It's so much easier to fit Jesus into a little box that fits our busy lifestyles: to give a shout-out on Sunday morning; to read "Our Daily Bread" and say a three-minute prayer after dropping the kids off at school; to write a check for the building fund ... And those things are fine, but He doesn't just want "niceties" and shallow appeasements; He wants us. He desires a deep, trusting relationship with each of us. (And, when you think about it, it really is quite amazing that He pursues us ... What do we really have to offer Him? We, by far, get the better end of the deal!)
I do love Jesus ... and I admire Him. He is everything I could ever aspire to be. And yet ... I can be so scarily short-sighted, so sinful at times. (Can I get a witness?) The truth of the matter is that I am the one who loses out when I choose to devalue our relationship. So I have decided to commit myself anew. Because He is so worthy of everything I can give Him -- and more. Amen?
A man of too many companions comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother --Proverbs 18:24
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