Sunday, January 23, 2011

Being with the Lord

Here is are some questions to ponder. Let's say that you were approached by someone who knew you were a follower of Christ. If they were to ask you who the Lord is and what He means to you, could you answer them?

Often when asked these questions, people give very simple answers such as "He is my Savior" or some other comment. Another believer may understand that comment for what it is, but another person may not.

How would you describe your relationship with the Lord? Are you able to put into words a description that not only the person understands but plants a seed in them to desire the same relationship in their life?

I remember when I was struggling with my own beliefs years ago. I asked these questions and got answers from people of faith that seems so empty to me. "He is my Lord and Savior" had no meaning to me as I didn't understand what that meant. Those were meaningless words to me.

If someone were to ask you about your relationship with a beloved parent, you would be able to express it in a very personal way. The person would know beyond a doubt that you had a loving and tender relationship with that parent. How often have you heard someone talk about a relationship that is so close and rich in the nature that you desire to have that type of closeness in your own life? Wouldn't it be great to be able to describe your relationship with the Lord in such a way that we cause the desire in others to want to seek out the Lord?

Here is another question for you to ponder also. Do you live your life in such a way that when others see you, knowing you are a Christian, that they want to know more about your faith? It is easy in life to let the world take over and stress or overwhelm us. We all have those days when we just don't feel like being nice and chipper all the time. Do we however, have too many of "those days" when we are grumpy and peckish in our attitude that we set a bad example? Think about it. If someone sees a believer who is always surly and not very friendly, what would make that person want to seek out the Lord? Why would they want to have the Lord in their life if they are going to be miserable all the time?

It isn't easy to be upbeat and chipper all the time. The world isn't set up as a Utopia that makes life easy and joyful each and every moment. As believers and followers of the Lord, we need to find a way to look pass the world and find the blessings in each day. On the harder days, we may need to look for a blessing each hour. The blessings are ALWAYS there. Even in the middle of our deepest struggles in life, the Lord is there and providing a blessing. It is up to us to see the blessings and rest in the knowledge that the Lord is there.

Our outlook in life can have a huge impact on those around us. Some may be unbelievers while others may be believers who are struggling in their faith. We need to find a way to bless others through showing them that the Lord never stops blessing us and being a presence in our life. If the Lord isn't a presence in your life, it is because YOU turned away from Him. He never turns His back on you. He is always seeking a relationship with you. I often think about a picture my Grandmother had on her wall of Jesus knocking at the door. He is always knocking, waiting for us to answer His call to commune with Him.

This brings me back to the first questions. Is the Lord such a presence in your life and is your relationship with Him deep enough that if asked, could you describe it in such a way to cause a desire for others to seek Him.