There are those who suggest that relationships are built upon the idea of “give and take,” while others have suggested that relationships are 50/50. Although both of these ideas have some essence of truth, I believe we are better served to look at relationships as being mutual. Mutual is defined as directed or received by each toward the other. When it comes to teaching new disciples, it is essential for them to learn about their mutual relationship with God once they become part of the church.
This is revealed in the teaching of Jesus. The cross is near and so is the time for the apostles to go and start preaching the word about the new kingdom, Christ’s church. This church, the only church (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:4), purchased by His blood (Acts 20:28), also known as His body (Colossians 1:18), will be the only place where “every spiritual blessing” (Ephesians 1:3) What God offers sinful man is amazing!
If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father
will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.
John 14:23
Jesus makes it clear: the most important part of our relationship with God is love. He teaches us that it is the greatest of all commandments. (Mark 12:31) We will look at the commandment side of things in a moment, but we must first of all grasp this idea of love. 1st John 4:19 says, “We love because He first loved us.” Our love for God is directly linked to our awareness of His love for us; and thus, our need for Him. The natural progression of such love is that of obedience; that is, keeping His word. Deuteronomy 7:9 says, “Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.” God is not seeking from us anything that He is not committed to doing Himself. Our obedience is deeply rooted in His faithfulness!
When we, as His disciples, embrace the mutual relationship God yearns to have with us, we can be assured that His love and presence will always be there. We will be at home and there is no place like home.
Dennis
