An exerpt from a great book I am reading: “I Became a Christian and all I got was this lousy T-shirt.” The author says, “I have a relationship with Jesus. It took me a while to get to know him, but I grew to like him. We began sharing life together in deep ways. I’ve celebrated with him, and grasped for his hand when things were falling apart. I have a great relationship with Jesus. But sometimes I do life in such a way that I go without Jesus. I don’t take the time to pray or to read the Bible. I can go entire days not talking to or thinking about him much, if at all. And when I go without Jesus, I wish he were closer. It’d be nice if I could see him more. I miss him. But I CAN live life without him. Things certainly don’t go as well, but not keeping him around doesn’t ruin my life. Why not? Because we have a relationship. It’s a great relationship, but it’s just a relationship.”
Wow…never thought of it like that! I do believe having a relationship with Jesus is better than having religion with Jesus. Jesus said, “ABIDE WITH ME.” So I am in my mothers womb… and someone asks me “IF I have a relationship with my mother? I suppose I do…but it’s way beyond that. I live inside her. I can’t live without her. I am completely dependant on her. I can’t do anything without her.
So…for me…of course I have a relationship with Jesus. But it is WAY beyond that! I want to “abide” with Jesus. He is my father. His Son, Jesus is my friend…he is my all. I want to start living life with Jesus. Where he goes, I go. I just get to tag along with Him. OK…I am not attached to by the umbilical cord…but I am connected to the Vine…I am the ‘branch.’
So…it’s far more than having a relationship with Jesus…it’s…’where He goes, I go!’ I am hangin’ with Him!
I want to learn to “Abide In Him.” Read John 15
Hey Dan – Thanks for reading my book, and I’m glad you’re getting something out of it! Hope you enjoy the rest. Also, don’t know if you know, but there are tons of FREE resources available at http://www.lousytshirtbook.com for churches or small groups or youth groups that want to do a series on the book – everything from sermons to discussion questions to videos to top ten lists, etc. Thanks again. vince
Thanks Vince…the book is great….I will take my staff through it starting on Monday.
I like the way you have me rolling on the floor with laughter….right before you beat me over the head with a 2 x 4 of TRUTH!
Thanks!