This morning greeted me with a rush of fresh thinking about something I rarely hear Christians discuss—Making a conscious effort to PROTECT our relationship with Jesus.
Most believers rightly focus on developing an intimate relationship with God. And we’ve been exploring all month how seeking SOLITUDE with God is the only way to fully activate our faith and build intimacy with Jesus. But the deeper dimension to that spiritual imperative is PROTECTING our relationship with him through the CHOICES we make—choosing Jesus over and over and over again.
Our choices are the signature we leave behind every step. They are signposts of what we value. They are a powerful lens peering into the depths of our soul.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
If believers want to walk in surrendered obedience to Christ and live joyfully in his magnificent Kingdom glorifying him every day, we must PROTECT our relationship him. And we do that by spending time in SOLITUDE with God every day.
The Apostle Paul was committed to disciplining himself through life’s flow in order to stay connected to Christ and make the best of every circumstance—good and bad, positive and negative, edifying and destructive.
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13
Paul did this by PROTECTING his relationship with Jesus and never relying on himself and human discipline. He called on Christ to help him protect his relationship with God. He knew that only Christ has the power to enable him to be obedient and serve others and accomplish things for the Kingdom. His relationship with God was PROTECTED.
I ask God to help me protect my relationship with him from the world’s insidious assaults.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Are you PROTECTING your relationship with Jesus? Are you sure?
“Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.” Ecclesiastes 5:1
