Your Legal Relationship: Jesus as Judge

(This post is a segment in the next chapter in my book, Hand in Hand: Deepening Your Relationship with Jesus Christ.)

Law and order has erupted into an incendiary issue in our time.  Police departments have been vilified, law enforcement officers have been targeted by assassins and protest movements have sprung up in response to perceived injustices against racial or religious groups. All this has ratcheted up social and political tension, and much confusion lingers over who is to blame in some cases.  Unfortunately, even if many situations grind their way to a resolution, attitudes and feelings are not likely to soon dissipate.  What does God think about this? Where do believers stand?  We may not have all the answers for our social order, but our view of the law must be crafted in light of our relationship to Jesus Christ. 

An old preacher once remarked that we are not citizens of this world trying to make our way to heaven; rather, we are citizens of heaven trying to make our way through this world. He expressed a noble sentiment, and true in a certain context, but we do have a temporal as well as an eternal existence.  In this world, we are governed by the powers that be, we possess political rights, we have legal standing that allows us to buy and sell, enter into contracts, and we have certain social obligations and privileges.  We play many roles other than as believers.  We are constituents, voters, taxpayers, employees, business owners, merchants, professionals, tradesmen, enlistees, patients, clients, customers, patrons, consumers, litigants, motorists and more.  Although we embrace both our rights and responsibilities as members of society, as believers, we do not exercise them independently of our faith.  Every act, role or behavior in life must grow out of our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Jesus acknowledged his social responsibility as a taxpayer.  When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?” He said, “Yes.” Matthew 17:24-25.  Jesus then told Simon to catch a fish and pay the tax with the coin he would find in the fish’s mouth.  Later, when the Pharisees tried to trap Him into an admission of a crime, He said, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”  Matthew 22:21.

Jesus met His obligations as a law-abiding citizen.  Since He was God incarnate, we might have expected Him to hold Himself above such petty regulations like paying temple tax.  Instead, He obeyed the laws that govern each of us in the temporal world.  The significance of His compliance cannot be overstated.  Had He broken the law, He would not have been faultless, nor would He have fulfilled the typology of the Spotless Lamb of God. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment, and who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgressions of My people He was stricken. Isaiah 53:7-8.  The sinless character of Christ enabled John to say, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29.

While we are not so commissioned as the savior of the world, nevertheless, Jesus is our example.  As believers, we must hold ourselves in a lawful obedience to those who hold jurisdiction over us.  We obey—not just because we fear punishment—but, out of respect for the law.  Let’s look at the following guidelines from Scripture as we explore the God-relationship connection to our role as citizens.

We Recognize the Powers that Be

God ordains government.  Without it, anarchy prevails.  The Apostle Paul articulates this position in Romans.  Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. Romans 13:1-3.  Yet, while affirming the truth of this scripture, we need to make an important distinction in understanding who or what ruling authority ascends to power.  God ordains government as a principle, but He allows man to determine the kind of government will prevail. 

Tyrants, despots and oppressive forms of government may rule, but they do not have the approval of God.  The Bible does not condone despotism just because it is practiced by those in power.  In these cases, rebellions, revolutions and military coups often occur as people or groups attempt to wrest power from those who hold it, or try to correct injustices they have suffered.  Power struggles and overthrows of governments have been recorded since the dawn of history, but they do not invalidate the basic principle that people need a government.  Good rulers enjoy the good will of the governed; bad rulers reap the wrath of their subjects. 

How should believers react to prejudicial treatment or laws that conflict with God’s Word?  If the situation calls for civil disobedience, then the higher law—the Word of God—should be followed.  The disciples encountered this problem.  And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.  For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20. The disciples willfully disobeyed the command of the magistrate.  And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”  But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:27-29.   This final reply of Peter and the Apostles is key.  They considered themselves subservient to the higher law of God.

We should note, however, that if believers choose to disobey laws that conflict with God’s law, they must still submit themselves to whatever penalty the authorities deem necessary.  Sometimes, a Gamaliel steps in and stops the punishment.  “And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” Acts 5:38-39.  This Jewish leader spared the disciples from death, but the council still ordered them beaten. 

How did the church leaders respond to their punishment?  So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.  And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. Acts 5:41-42.  Indeed, there was a general anticipation that the Apostolic faith would, sooner or later, place the early church in direct conflict with Rome, or at least with the Jewish authorities.  The Apostle Peter weighs in on the subject in his first epistle.  If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 1 Peter 4:14-16. 

We Respect Government Officials and Leaders

Although we may have political differences with those in power, it is important to still show respect and honor to them, and if not to them personally, to the office they hold.  Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 1 Timothy 2:1-2.  Two things are at work here.  First, we exhibit a Christ-like attitude when we pray for our leaders.  Jesus may have opposed the hypocritical religious leaders, but he responded to the Roman officials with respect.  Second, we fare much better through peaceful relations with the powers that be.  To stir up strife and instigate conflict runs counter to the mission of the church. 

When government policies violate our faith, or even when civil authorities abuse us, our relationship to Jesus precludes vengeful attitudes or acts.  Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19. Those who pay back hatred for hatred and life for life operate by carnal rules.  The Philistines acted out of revenge against Israel, and God punished them.  Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred; Therefore, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast. Ezekiel 25:15-16 (KJV).  Rather than revenge, Jesus exhorted His followers to respond exactly the opposite.  “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’  But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” Matthew 5:38-39.

Peaceful protests do not violate the law, although there are no clear scriptural precedents for doing so.  Today’s cultural climate allows for marches, placards, symbols, speeches and other forms of protest. Indeed, many shocking acts in our world need a voice of opposition, if only to raise awareness of a particular issue.  To do so does not dishonor the government.  Believers can avail themselves of these demonstrations, but they must denounce all forms of violence or destruction of property.  We should also recognize that prayer is much more effective than political activism. 

Your Economic Relationship: Jesus as True Riches

Have you ever prayed for more money?  Have you, at least, asked God to help you to pay for something, like a decent car or a college education?  How did that work out?  God does help us with legitimate needs, but I went through a stage of life where I saw disgusting amounts of money going to undeserving people in Las Vegas or state lotteries. At the same time, I saw huge spiritual needs going unmet. It bothered me that millions of dollars wound up in the hands of crime lords, and drug cartels.  I prayed for a big windfall of profit to come to me so I could give it to righteous causes.  I thought it was a legitimate prayer.  How could God refuse?  Sorry.  It didn’t happen.  I finally figured out that God didn’t trust me to do what I said I would do.  He also let me know that He was doing the job of being God just fine, and He didn’t need my help.  (Another principle called free moral agency was also at work.)  I’m ashamed that this maturity lesson didn’t take place until after I was into middle adulthood.

Money.  It has started more wars, incited more riots, ended more lives, corrupted more people, ruined more marriages, broken up more friendships, caused more arguments and burst more bubbles than any other commodity known to man.  But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:9-10. But, on the other hand, money has solved more problems, provided for more families, started more businesses, met more societal needs, built more bridges and rescued more debtors than any other instrument of power.  A feast is made for laughter, And wine makes merry; but money answers everything. Ecclesiastes 10:19.  

Money moves empires, crowns dynasties and drives history.  More often than not, it is possible to analyze events and predict future trends by looking at monetary issues.  “Follow the money,” a favorite saying of observers of the world scene turns out to be a fairly accurate heuristic.   Some outcomes are positive, some negative; some good, some bad; some creative, some destructive.  It is evident, then, that money itself is neither the problem nor the solution.  The real issue is how we use the money we have.

The question before us now is “How does a believer handle money?”  Do Christians operate from a different set of values from secular people in their financial dealings?  Yes, they do.  Does the presence of Christ in a believer’s life influence money matters?  Absolutely.  A relationship perspective proves to be the only correct way for Christians to understand money and wealth.  We must treat money as though we were managing the assets of a third party.  We hold it in our hands, not in our hearts.  This understanding positions us, not as heirs, owners or producers, but as stewards of an estate.  We all desire to invest money prudently and spend money wisely, and there are shelves loaded with books to help you do those things, but our concern here is much more fundamental: how does your relationship with Jesus inform your economic life?  Out of the many scriptural principles that govern the finances of a believer, here are ten that reflect the relationship aspect: 

You Do Not Own Your Money

All of us are merely guests in the house of the Lord.  The Psalmist David made it clear that God is the Owner: The earth is the LORD’S, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. Psalm 24:1. Since we are beholden to our Landlord, our attitude must reflect our status.  It is both presumptuous and arrogant to claim rights and authority to assets that do not belong to us. “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,” says the LORD of hosts. Haggai 2:8. If you do not own the money in your possession, then using it requires permission, approval, and blessing. 

Jesus set the example for us in the Garden of Gethsemane.  He prayed, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” Matthew 26:42. If Jesus would not violate the will of God with His life, how can we violate it with our money?  We must not use our money for things contrary to God’s will, without God’s approval and void of God’s blessing.  To do so sends the signal that we own what we have, and therefore we have the right to do with it as we please. 

Your Trust Is in Christ, Not in Money

It is human nature to want security.  Conventional wisdom tells us that the more money we have, the more secure we are.  But the message of the Bible contradicts this secular philosophy.  Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17. For one thing, the market is unstable, and one can lose a fortune in an instant, as anyone who studies economics knows.  But, more importantly, the Rock of Ages, Jesus Christ, is the best insurance policy for eternity that we could ever find.  Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5.

Of course, we need to invest wisely and make money work for us whenever we can.  The writer is saying, however, is that even if our investments go south, and all is lost, our true treasure will never be touched. Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21.  Happiness and security is not tied to your money but to your Master.

Money Can Be Dangerous

Not only does money represent security to the carnal mind, but it also feeds into a sense of power and control.  Wealthy people are vulnerable to entitlement attitudes that make them feel superior to others.   Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:23-25.

Forces of nature, like electrical storms or raging floods, cause much havoc when there are no restraints on their raw power.  That same electricity and water, however, become subservient to the will of man when tamed by grids and dams.  Likewise, the evil that money can do changes into much good when the user maintains a right relationship with Jesus Christ.   The relationship keeps attitudes about money in submission to righteous and holy ideals.

One more thing about the danger of money.  You don’t have to have it to fall under its influence.  Those who desperately crave money can be tempted to commit crimes, participate in unethical schemes or risk their good name and integrity to obtain it.  Money has an elusive nature, though, and people who sell their souls to get it usually find that, in the end, it wasn’t worth the price they had to pay for it.

All Financial Blessings Are from God

All wealthy people did not get rich by nefarious means.  Most of them either worked hard for it or got it by inheritance. Nevertheless, pride can often creep into the heart of the rich and deceive them into believing that they alone were responsible for their happiness.  Remember, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17.  

I, George Washington, President of the United States of America, do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the Beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.  -Adapted from Geo. Washington archives.

If you are wealthy, stay humble.  Never boast.  You may have worked hard or been smart enough to get gain, but there were intangibles that lay beyond your control.  Your health, your freedom, your opportunities, the economic climate and the cooperation of others around you were also responsible for your success.  These are blessings from God, and they call for gratitude on your part.

Tithes and Offerings Belong to God

While we cannot cover the broad subject of tithes and offerings here, we need to include some essential points.  The classic verse used for this principle is in Malachi. “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation.  Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3:8-10.  This pronouncement was under the Old Testament law, but it remains valid for us as well.  The principle of tithing predated the law in that Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek.  (Genesis 14:18). 

The Apostle Paul, raised in the Jewish tradition, also instructed the church to bring offerings in a manner reminiscent of Malachi’s exhortation.  Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.  If the church was to be a viable entity in the world, there had to be a means for its support.  It was most likely the same divine plan that had enabled the Hebrew priesthood to live and work. 

The phrase “as he may prosper” (the KJV inserts “God” into the verse as the One who prospers) strongly suggests that a rule of thumb be used to measure the prosperity.  The tithe, or the tenth, was the logical coefficient since the Jewish people were accustomed to that standard.  At any rate, they understood that it was God who blessed all giving.  Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38. 

Finally, if anyone should balk at giving—even a tithe—Jesus spoke of another standard. Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans.  So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” Mark 12:41-44.  When we come to the end of our lives, God will measure our giving by how much we have left. 

Spend Your Money for Service, Not Selfishness

If our money is a gift of God, then His purposes should guide its use.   Jesus told a parable that reveals His will for our spending.  “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:16-21. 

This man’s total focus was his personal welfare and the preservation of his wealth.  Jesus did not condemn him for re-investing into his business, but for his self-centered and self-absorbed attitude. He should have earmarked some of his surplus for ministry to others.  We must recognize the relationship factor in the application of this parable.  Existing in oneness with Christ means that we reflexively mirror His posture of service.  As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls.” 2 Corinthians 12:15. 

Greed and Covetousness Is Sin

Greed is wanting more than you need, and covetousness is wanting what someone else has.  Both fall into the category of lust, and the Scriptures strongly condemn them as sin.  This lengthy passage from James needs to be fully processed.  Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you. James 5:1-6.  Although the word greed is not mentioned, its portrayal is clear.  Extortion, exploitation and fraud spew like sewage out of the greedy soul. 

The Old Testament law labels covetousness as sin, as in “Thou shalt not covet.”  Covet simply means “to desire earnestly,” but in the context of sin, it means “to desire unlawfully,” or “to secure illegitimately.”  If you give yourself to covetousness, you unleash at least two dysfunctional forces.  One, you throw yourself into personal unrest, and, two, you introduce tension into your relationship with your neighbor.  To covet not only causes personal disharmony, it foments social conflict as well.  Peace cannot coexist with covetousness. 

Rather than an avaricious spirit, we are urged to be content. Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.  1 Timothy 6:6-8. When we are content with what we have, God adds His blessing to us.  Therefore, do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  Matthew 6:31-33.

Your Spiritual State Is Not Measured by Money

A widespread heresy, called “Prosperity Theology,” or the “Health and Wealth Gospel,” has recently corrupted the value system of many Christians.  Essentially, it holds that anyone in the will of God will prosper in body and finances, and those who get out of the will of God suffer sickness, disease and poverty.   This doctrine causes people to disconnect actions with results.  The Bible teaches us that laziness or foolishness result in poor health and bad finances, not the favor or disfavor of God.  (Proverbs 6:9-11; 20:13; 23:31).  Neither does the accumulation of wealth signal the pleasure of God.  The rich man who went to hell as opposed to the beggar Lazarus who went to paradise conveys Christ’s value system.  (Luke 16:19-31).  Also, as referenced in the opening paragraph of this chapter, evil men often acquire great wealth.  Their riches are not to be interpreted as God’s approval of their spiritual state.

Jesus also pronounced a blessing, not to the rich, but to the poor.  “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.” Luke 6:20-21.  The corollary follows a few sentences later.  “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.  Woe to you who are full, for you shall hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.” Luke 6:24-25.  That is wealth from God’s perspective. 

How do we really measure riches?  This question is summarized by the Apostle Paul and addresses the core mission of this book.  But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;   that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:7-11. Christ is our True Riches.

Personal Wealth Is Not the Main Goal in Life

Many things compete for first place in our lives.  The disciples vied for notoriety when they expressed their desire for a prime place in the coming kingdom (Luke 9:46). The rich, young ruler wanted to inherit eternal life, but he would not unseat his love for great riches from the throne of his heart.  (Matthew 19:22).  Judas lusted after an earthly kingdom and chose to betray Christ when it didn’t happen as he envisioned.  Money, wealth and riches seduce many into thinking that these things represent the ultimate goals in life.  It is an insidious lie.  But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:9-11.

You Represent Christ by Your Management of Money

Saint Francis of Assisi is credited with saying “Preach always.  Use words if necessary.”  Unfortunately, there is often a wide disparity between what we say and what we do.  A profligate cannot preach sacrifice with credibility.  Neither can a philanderer preach fidelity, nor an atheist faith.  Believers must be able to demonstrate their devotion to Christ by the way they live their lives. 

The depth of your relationship with Jesus Christ will be illustrated by the way you handle your money.  Perhaps one of the greatest examples of this principle may be found in the story of the alabaster box.  And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head. Mark 14:3. Some of the disciples thought it was an outrageous act of wastefulness, but Jesus rebuked them and defended her.  “Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” Mark 14:6-9. 

This woman equated her love for Jesus with her collection of exquisite perfume.  That was far more impressive to Jesus than the market price of the ointment.  One, therefore, cannot divorce his or her material possessions from the desire of the Master.  Our relationship always precedes and shapes our behavior.

Your Spiritual Relationship: Jesus as the Spirit of God

Life is more than what you see.  It stretches out beyond the visible, tangible or even intellectual into a realm we simply know as spiritual.  Well-rehearsed terms like “national spirit,” “school spirit,” or “the spirit of the law” indicate that some concept of spirituality is widespread.  A spiritual presence permeates the human existence that gives meaning and fullness to all of life.

The spiritual nature of God (as opposed to a physical being or mass) defines and governs our relationship with Him.  From the beginning, the lack of an image or sacred icon became one of the great distinctions between Judeo-Christian faith and most other religions.  We worship the true God as a spiritual being, a being with no definite form or location.  Both John 1:18 and 1 John 4:12 state that no man has seen God at any time.  Jesus said, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24. This truth is often problematic to the carnal mind because humans gravitate toward what they see in a literal sense.  In fact, some people are more apt to worship a grotesque or ridiculous-looking image that they can see rather than a spirit that they cannot see.  That was the case when Aaron, Moses’ brother, led the Israelites to worship the golden calf. (Exodus 32:4) When Christ came, His disciples knew Him both in the flesh and in the Spirit, but after the ascension at Bethany, no one could know Him according to the flesh.  Paul explains this in his epistle to the Corinthians.  Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17. If we are going to have a relationship with Jesus Christ today, we must search Him out in the realm of the Spirit. 

The advent of the Holy Spirit was no surprise to the primitive church.  They understood that the prophets of the Old Testament foresaw it and prepared the church for it.  Until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high. Isaiah 32:15. Ezekiel wrote, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” Ezekiel 36:26-27. Simon Peter preached the first message of the church based on the prophecy of Joel. And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. Joel 2:28-29. 

It is unfortunate that so many Christians have a tentative approach to a relationship with the Spirit of God.  Although well schooled in the principles of the Scriptures and the tenets of faith, many believers have not pursued a personal interaction with the Spirit.  As mentioned in the preface to this book, mainstream Christianity has traditionally avoided a visceral, spiritual experience.  Some leaders have openly discouraged Pentecostal-style worship, believing that it leads to inappropriate displays of emotion.  This fear, however, has effectively choked out the operation of the Holy Spirit.  Paul warned the Thessalonians, “Do not quench the Spirit,” and “Do not despise prophecies.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19-20.  He told Timothy to look out for empty formalism.  Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:5 (NKJV) There was a substantial reason for these admonitions.  If believers were not spiritually minded—that is if they were not familiar with spiritual operations—then the work of the church would falter and eventually fail. 

It is impossible to understand the upsurge of the early church apart from the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.   Jesus told His disciples to proceed directly from Bethany to the Upper Room to wait for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8. The second chapter of Acts credits the Holy Spirit for the inauguration of the church and the ensuing revival.  Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call. Acts 2:36-39.  Luke, who wrote the book of Acts, places exclusive emphasis on the Spirit of God in the formation of the early church.  Indeed, the entire book of Acts could have been named “The Acts of the Holy Spirit” instead of the Acts of the Apostles. 

In light of these accounts, one must be amazed that in subsequent years, the Galatian believers thought they could succeed by human resourcefulness rather than the power of God’s Spirit. The Apostle soundly rebuked them for their error.  “This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?” Galatians 3:2-3.  This problem must have been the reason why Jesus said, “Without me, you can do nothing.” In writing to the Romans and the Corinthians, Paul’s primary theme was the total dependence of the church on the Holy Spirit. It is without question that every believer should be filled with the Spirit, be led by the Spirit and walk in the Spirit. 

Let us focus on three major factors that determine the quality of our relationship with Jesus Christ as He interacts with us through His Spirit.  First, we must be baptized with the Spirit.  Second, we must be led by the Spirit.  Last, we must learn to walk in the Spirit.  The Scriptures clearly tell us that the Spirit of God is expected to be a part of a believer’s life, but He is also indispensable to the real operation of the church. 

Believers Must Be Baptized with the Holy Spirit 

The baptism of the Holy Spirit was a standard occurrence in the early church. After the initial outpouring, the first instance we must look at is the Samarian revival.  Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:14-17.  When these disciples did not receive the Holy Spirit at or before baptism, the apostles considered it unacceptable.  Two things need to be noted here.  First, the baptism of the Holy Spirit was an expected experience; second, the experience was to be publically observed and acknowledged.  The apostles’ insistence on this public experience underscores the established doctrine that all believers must receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  (Acts 2:4,38). 

This doctrine also inspired the question that the Apostle Paul put to certain disciples at Ephesus.  And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” Acts 19:1-2.  The very fact that Paul asked this question raises it to a level of great importance.  He knew that the indwelling Spirit in each believer was the only workable connection to the operation of the Spirit.  In other words, we cannot worship God in the Spirit unless we have received His Spirit.  For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.  1 Corinthians 12:13. This phrase, all have been made to drink into one Spirit, was not presumed to be automatic; otherwise, specific instances of individuals filled with the Spirit would be irrelevant.  

Having said this, no one should think that the mandatory aspect provides the only motive for the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  The real reason is two-fold.  First, it is a joyful experience. For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.  Romans 14:17.   Second, it equips us to fight a spiritual enemy.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12. The companion verse is self-explanatory. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6. The final appeal is that we must be filled with the Spirit.  And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18. 

We Must Be Led by the Spirit 

After receiving the Spirit, the Bible further instructs us to be led by the Spirit.  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Romans 8:14. The church relies on the leadership of the Holy Spirit for direction in God’s work as well as in matters of life.  There is a beautiful illustration of this fact in one of the missionary journeys of Paul.  Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.  After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them. Acts 16:6-10.  The directions for Paul’s journeys came through the agency of the Holy Spirit. 

To be led of God calls for a medium of communication.  Under the old covenant, God spoke to his servants in an audible voice.  Today, God speaks to us through His Word and His Spirit.  Thus, our sensitivity to the Spirit of God is the channel through which we can hear His voice.  But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 1 Corinthians 2:10-12. Prayer is a primary avenue of our communication with God. The Spirit is intimately involved in effectual praying, as is mentioned in Paul’s epistle to the Romans. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  Romans 8:26. Jude references prayer in his letter as a spiritual exercise. But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.  Jude 1:20. 

Paul delves in depth into the spiritual leadership area with his teaching about the nine gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians.  He opens the discussion with an interesting statement.  Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant. 1 Corinthians 12:1. The ignorance to which Paul refers may have been due to pagan influences or false teaching.  It may also have resulted from abuse of the gifts or fear that they would be wrongly used.  Perhaps so many Corinthian believers decided that too much confusion surrounded the operation of the gifts that the leaders shut down the expression of spiritual gifts altogether.  Whatever the reason, Paul was determined to enlighten them about the use of the gifts because he knew that the church could not flourish without them.  

The apostle identified these gifts as the way the church is Spirit-led.  But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.   1 Corinthians 12:7. While the spiritual gifts are resident in the church, they can only operate through Spirit-filled individuals.  The church must be mature enough to allow such individuals to be used in the gifts without jealousy, pride or unwarranted adulation.  The lesson is clear: we must recognize that God uses certain ones to be spokespersons for divine messages or acts and not put such people on a pedestal, as it were.  It is not the superiority of the person involved, but the Spirit of God who uses the person as a vessel to deliver a message or to be the conduit through which flows the power of God. 

We Must Learn to Walk in the Spirit 

Finally, we come to our daily walk with Jesus, an aspect that involves each believer’s personal discipleship.  This feature may be the most critical part of our bond with Him because it serves as the basis for every other facet of the relationship.   As we have shown before, God is a Spirit, thus making our walk with Him a serious matter of the heart and soul.  We do not easily succeed at this endeavor.  We must learn things like submission, humility, deprivation and even crucifixion of the carnal nature.  Once we understand the dynamics, our personal walk fuels the whole of our relationship with Christ. 

For us to understand how this works, we must view the flesh as a powerful, but insidious and subversive force.  Paul issues a catalog of behaviors to defines the flesh. Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21.  Other passages in the New Testament list similar behaviors.  It is obvious that these sins contradict the righteousness of the Spirit of God, and, therefore, must be overcome. 

Overcoming the flesh, however, draws the battle lines for us because the flesh does not surrender without a huge fight.  Paul sheds light on this struggle in his epistle to the Romans.  For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.  For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Romans 7:13-19.  The dilemma is this:  we want to do right, but the flesh counters our every attempt to change.  It’s not the fault of the law of God—His laws are perfect.  The problem lies in our sinful flesh.  It is self-willed, incorrigible, and determined to rebel against any opponent. 

The answer to this dilemma is the same for us symbolically as it was for Christ literally—crucifixion. Therefore, put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.  Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.   Colossians 3:5-8.  To the Romans, Paul gives the reason for the crucified life.  For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13. To those who grant liberty to the flesh, spiritual death awaits; but those who crucify the flesh set their spirit free. 

It is at this point of death to the fleshly nature that our relationship with Christ begins to flourish. There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1. The flesh brings condemnation, but walking in the Spirit ushers in life and liberty.  Paul elaborates further:  For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.   Romans 8:5-6. 

So, the question now becomes how?  How does one walk in the Spirit?  Let’s illustrate by using a familiar picture.  If you are going out for a stroll in unfamiliar territory, you take note of the terrain.  Is it hilly?  Rocky?  Grassy? Paved?  Are there any hazards or dangerous places to avoid?  Are there signs to follow?  What about the traffic?  Do you need a companion to walk with you?  Spiritually, these same conditions exist in walking with Christ.  If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-3.  Walking in the Spirit presents challenges to your flesh, but the Spirit lifts you up to a victorious plane of living.  I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.  For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.  But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:16-18. 

We must define the essence of your relationship to Jesus Christ as spiritual.  Give yourself totally to a spiritual pursuit because that is the realm in which Christ lives today.  Paul sums it up this way.   So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.  And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.  Romans 8:8-11.

Jesus Is Your Sympathetic High Priest.

(A continuation of Your Emotional Relationship:  Jesus as Counselor)

Experts tell us that one of the most important traits of a good counselor is the ability to listen intently to the patient.  Some even say that this quality alone, without further training in psychology, can be of inestimable help to a person in need.  Troubled people desperately need someone to listen really to their personal stories.  Any counselor who doesn’t listen must operate out of his or her assumptions about the patient, and those assumptions may well be false.  Jesus, however, is the “Wonderful Counselor.”  He not only fulfills the role of the counselor with perfection, but He also understands our unique situations because He came in the flesh to experience everything we go through in life. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  Hebrews 4:15-16. 

The difference between Christ and us is that He did not sin, but the temptation to sin was just as real and compelling for Him as it is for us.  Also, tested, is another translation of the word tempted.  Physical suffering, emotional distress and rejection severely tested the character of Jesus.  He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.  He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. John 1:10-11. 

Jesus knew fear and ridicule.  Herod sought to kill him as a baby.  It is possible that He felt scorned as illegitimate because of rumors that Joseph nearly divorced His mother, Mary.  And when He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?”  Matthew 13:54-56.  He suffered prejudice, hatred, and fear.  The Jews accused Him of blasphemy, violating the Law of Moses, fraternizing with the sinners and riffraff of the day, and claiming to be God.  He was deserted by His followers, lied on, betrayed by a friend, falsely accused, arraigned on trumped up charges, unjustly sentenced, mocked as a pretend king, tortured, beaten and crucified.   These experiences make Jesus the ideal counselor; a counselor who did not suffer vicariously through the lives of others, but personally felt the sting of pain.  You can count on Jesus! 

What a Friend we have in Jesus

All our sins and griefs to bear;

What a privileged to carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Jesus Knows Your Heart. 

For many, the frustration of being misunderstood is the worst kind of dysfunction in relationships.  Even during the lowest times, we feel better when, at the very least, someone understands our troubles.  The Scriptures reveal to us, however, that Jesus knows our hearts.  In one instance, the disciples were arguing with each other.  Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest.  And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.” Luke 9:46-48.  Jesus did not resolve the dispute by wisdom only, but by a supernatural insight into the very thoughts of their hearts. 

This truth is especially powerful considering the fact that we do not know our own hearts.  We have motives, desires, drives, compulsions, and biases of which many of us are unaware.  The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings. Jeremiah 17:9-10.  We may be puzzled about why things happen as they do, why we have certain problems, and what we should do to make our lives more peaceful.  As we pray about these problems, Jesus brings hidden things to light and shines the light of understanding on things that were previously a mystery to us.  Human wisdom often leads us astray, but when we develop a relationship with Jesus, He can bring divine revelation to us about the difficulties in our lives. 

Christ’s knowledge about each individual person in this world goes beyond our thought-life.  It includes every detail about us, thus qualifying Him to be the best counselor any one of us could consult. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7. 

There are many other aspects to emotional therapy we can received through a close relationship with Jesus. 

• Jesus is the antidote to sadness.  Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:12-13. 
• Jesus will help you to forgive. Rejoice the soul of Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You. Psalm 86:4-5. 
• Jesus will help you to confront. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:7-8.
• Jesus will alleviate your guilt feelings.  Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32. 
• Jesus will help you to love and respect yourself.  When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” John 8:10-11, 

As we evaluate our relationship with Jesus through the lens of emotion, one more word is very significant: whole.  When Jesus touched someone to heal or deliver them, it was often said that they were made whole.  But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. Matthew 9:22 (KJV) The Greek word for whole is sozo, and is usually translated as saved or healed.  The connotation is that Jesus not only stops the pain and suffering, he restores to good health.  He makes us complete.  Wholeness of body, soul and spirit is found in the relationship with Jesus. 

Jesus Is the Source of Your Happiness

(Continuation of “The Emotional Relationship”) 

The etymology of the word “happiness” suggests that happiness depends on happenings.  If good things happen, people are happy; if bad things happen, they are unhappy.  “Blessed” is another translation of the word in Hebrew.  In New Testament Greek, it is almost always translated as “blessed.”  The believer need not look to any source other than Christ for a blessed life.  It is in the relationship that blessing occurs, indeed, it is because of the relationship that blessings come.  That the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:14. Isaiah also speaks of the blessing of God upon the descendants of Jacob, which is a prophetic word for the church.  For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring. Isaiah 44:3. The blessing comes to those who are in the relationship. 

Another word akin to happiness is joy.  Someone has said, “Happiness is transient; joy is permanent.”  Joy does not find its source in positive, but superficial events.  Rather, joy effervesces out of a loving relationship with Jesus.  Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’ Therefore, with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:2-3.  If salvation means Jesus, then you draw water from the wells of Jesus! 

Joy is an essential spiritual practice growing out of faith, grace, gratitude, hope, and love. It is the pure and simple delight in being alive. When we respond with elation to feelings of happiness, experiences of pleasure, and awareness of abundance, we call it joy. Serving others and feeling glad for their good fortune also produces the deep satisfaction we know as joy. 

Joy, in fact, is a shared emotion.  True joy cannot be achieved by yourself, with yourself.   Too many people mistakenly think that separating themselves from other people will allow them to enjoy life on their own.  Without relationships, however, there is no real joy.  For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy. 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20.  Those us who have lost our parents or other significant persons in our lives often say, “I wish Dad or Mom could see this!”  A large part of our joy is the knowledge and reaction of other people in our relationships.  When people flee relationships, it is almost always because they have been hurt or they want to avoid pain and conflict.  While they may achieve that goal, the result is a tasteless, barren existence, stripped of gratifying joy.  On the other hand, when we seek out relationships at the risk of pain and conflict, we discover joy, and we learn that one joy outweighs a thousand pains.   

The Christ-life is a life of joy, even when we are called upon to sacrifice or suffer.  The Apostle Peter reminds us of this.  In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9.  The relationship, not the experience, produces the joy.

Love is the Overarching Truth.

(Continuation of “The Emotional Relationship).

The children’s song, “Yes, Jesus Loves Me,” is still one of the most powerful melodies of the Christian faith.  To those who have seldom, if ever, heard the words, “I love you,” that simple phrase should become the foundation of their existence.  And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.  1 Corinthians 13:13. Emotions that have been damaged by abuse, exploitation, dysfunction, tragedy, or loss need the affirmation of someone’s love.  Other kinds of therapy have their place, but love sets the stage for everything else that follows.  

During my pastoral years, I failed to persuade a lonely man that Jesus loved him.  We talked for hours at a time and discussed all kinds of strategies for him to find peace.  He knew his father hated him, and he wasn’t sure if his mother really loved him.  He had lots of stories of emotional abuse and neglect. He was intelligent and was a skilled workman, but his demeanor was cold, he had few friends, and he was in and out of relationships.  He wasn’t an alcoholic, but he often resorted to drink to get through his day.  He freely admitted to me that he drank and was dispassionate about the admission. It was apparent to me that his refusal to accept Christ’s love sabotaged every attempt I made to help him.  I am convinced that a right relationship with Jesus must begin with the acknowledgment of His pure and unconditional love for every person.  

Love, then, is the great umbrella that covers all the elements of our relationship with God.  To mention this may seem redundant, but too many Christians live their lives in an obedience, duty or self-will mode.  They view love as a weak motivation, or as a bonus emotion that you’re lucky to have if you can get it.  But, this was the major theme of the Apostle John’s epistle.  He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:8-10. 

Your Emotional Relationship: Jesus as Counselor

I

n today’s emphasis on good health, mental and emotional issues have moved into priority status.  For many years, society simply wrote people off as weak when they could not cope with the challenges of life.  They were shamed, told to get a stronger constitution, or shouted at to “man up!” These responses grew out of a gross lack of understanding about emotional health.  We now know that stress, anxiety, depression, fear and other factors affect a number of conditions: individual happiness, physical health, the quality of other relationships, and life in general. A negative mindset permeates every facet of a person’s life.  Aside from salvation, your emotional relationship with Jesus Christ may mean more to you than anything else.

Our awareness of emotional problems, however, has led to attempts at medical rather than spiritual remedies.  Modern society has been called the “Prozac Nation,” the “Medication Generation,” or declared guilty of “cosmetic psychopharmacology.” Dr. George Malkmus in his book “Why Christians Get Sick,” contends that Christians have fallen into the same pill-popping routines as our secular brothers and sisters.  If this is true, it is only symptomatic of a massive relationship failure.  An anemic relationship with Jesus makes believers vulnerable to all the emotional sicknesses that afflict the general population.  On the other hand, a strong relationship with Jesus produces a tranquility that drugs seek to emulate.  While this is not an invective against psychiatry and psychology, it is a reminder to every believer that your premise for emotional health and your first appeal for emotional help is your Wonderful Counselor, Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 9:6).

Jesus is deeply interested in your emotional welfare, whether it is a broken heart, sorrow or heaviness of spirit.  The prophetic passage in Isaiah that ministers to ravaged emotions is the same one quoted by Jesus as He began his ministry in Luke chapter four.  “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;  to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn,  to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:1-3. 

The closer your relationship is with Jesus, the stronger you will be inwardly.  Certainly, the Apostle Paul emphasized this outcome in his epistle to the Ephesians.  For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,  may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:14-19.

This inner man, this soul, this psyche—your conscious being—comprises the real you.  It is not your intellect, your social status, your physical stature or your financial worth that stands naked before God.  (Job 1:21). It is your inner man that has always been the focus of God’s interest.  Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. Psalm 51:6. In the following posts, we will look at some principles that form the strength of your emotional health.

Your Salvation Relationship: Jesus as Savior

Your new status as a saved soul means you are different in a number of important ways.  Now, you have to come to terms with some radical changes in your relationship with Jesus Christ as your Savior.  This is the reality of your new relationship, but it is not automatic; it must be activated by faith.  We have just put our finger on the most critical and sensitive spot in transitioning to your new life.  You still look the same.  You still have the same family, the same job, the same house.    Your personality is what it always was.  You live in the same world.  Yet, you are different at the core of your being.  How can you be so different and still be the same person?

The key is that the born-again person lives in a reckoning state.  It is a state of mind and heart that exists in the reality of faith.  Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  Hebrews 11:1. The carnal mind cannot see the things of faith, but the spiritual mind understands and embraces them.   So, what does it mean to reckon?  Likewise, you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 6:11. Reckon means to believe that something is true and act accordingly.  The Apostle Paul compared this new relationship to a minor son’s transition into adulthood. In the Roman era, the status of underage children was very similar to slaves owned by the master of the estate.  Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore, you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Galatians 4:1-7.   Regeneration changes us from a slave to a son!  Six major challenges of our new state of mind need to be negotiated. 

You are no longer a servant to sin. Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Romans 6:6-7.  In sin, you operated under the illusion of freedom, but you were actually in bondage to the Prince and power of this world, and to the flesh.  You told yourself that you were in control of your life, but, secretly, you knew that your base desires, your carnal instincts and your nasty habits called the shots.  The new birth, however, gives you the option of saying no to the tyranny of the devil and the flesh.  You can say no to alcohol, illicit drugs, and other addictions.  You can resist the old shackles that once defined your life.   Those elements that had you bound have been destroyed.

You are set free from guilt and shame. Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, The God of my salvation, and my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. Psalm 51:14. One of the confusing things about the remission of sin is that people often still feel the guilt of sin, even though it has been washed away by the blood of Christ.  It is as though a tumor has been excised, yet the symptoms and effects of cancer continue unabated.  You must recognize this feeling as a ploy of Satan to nullify your new life.  He is a deceiver, and he never stops his efforts to frustrate you and disrupt the work of God in the world.  Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices. 2 Corinthians 2:11. 

This phenomenon is similar to a sensation known as phantom pain.  The Mayo Clinic explains phantom pain as “pain that feels like it’s coming from a body part that’s no longer there. Doctors once believed this post-amputation phenomenon was a psychological problem, but experts now recognize that these real sensations originate in the spinal cord and brain.” (www.mayoclinic.org)  While the body part was still attached, nerve endings were “hard-wired” into the nervous system of the body.  Just because the part was amputated does not destroy the feeling that it is still there.  Eventually, the brain recognizes that the part is missing, and it reconfigures the sensory perceptions to account for the change.  Likewise, your new condition needs some time for your spiritual brain to adjust.  Just remember, your discomfort is only phantom pain.  You are operating in a new reality in Christ Jesus!

You are adopted into a new family. Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:5-6.  Think of the profound effect on a child who knows that someone has adopted him or her into a new family.  Someone now loves them in a way that they have always longed for and dreamed about.  The sense of belonging and having real parents cannot be matched by any other arrangement.  Adoption boosts a child’s self-esteem and confidence in an incalculable way.  Spiritually, the born-again person disposes of the orphan mentality and takes on an identity of belonging to the greatest family that has ever existed—the church of the Lord Jesus Christ!   The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.  Romans 8:16-17.

The metaphor of adoption in no way negates the fact that you have been born again, and are the rightful heir according to the blood line of Abraham.  Adoption is simply another way to emphasize the new relationship that you now enjoy.  Another metaphor used in the Scriptures is “grafted into Christ” (Romans 11:24), meaning that the Gentiles were not people of promise, but, through faith, God has accepted them into the body. 

You have a new name. All identity changes involve a name change.  When you were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, His Name was invoked or pronounced over you.  And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’ Acts 22:16. The Greek root of the phrase calling on may also mean to invoke or entitle.  As a child of God, you have been endowed with a new surname or family name, a new mark of identity that carries supreme authority with it into the spirit world.  But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13.  A quick study of the Name of Jesus turns up breath-taking evidence of its importance.  Disease retreats, demons tremble, sins are absolved, and miracles happen when that Name is invoked. 

You have royal blood flowing through your veins.  The new birth not only does something for you, it does something to you!  You have been christened into the royal family of God!  And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:9-10.  Although this refers to a future date, we need to understand that today we are kings and priests unto God.  Do not live like an under-privileged child or a second-class citizen.  You need to be resilient, ebullient, positive and confident.  You are a child of the King! 

Your name is written down in the Lamb’s Book of Life. But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Revelation 21:27. The repercussions of your conversion are not limited, but they echo throughout your life.  You have always known that God loves you.  Now, you have the assurance that your place in heaven has been secured in writing.  Moreover, as a member in particular of the church, you have a special, united bond with the Founder.  For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13. The church is the most elite, most privileged, most beloved entity in history, and you are in it! 

Your relationship with Jesus Christ as your Savior means that you have no need to be afraid of God, no cause for worry about His attitude towards you, and every incentive to worship Him in faith and love.  You have a liberty in His Spirit that eliminates all anxiety.  You are free.  The tenor of this relationship sets the tone for all other aspects of your bond with Christ.