Jesus Christ, the Best There Is
Posted by Pastor Pat on December 14, 2008
Do we really understand what we have in Christ? I know we are Christians, but do we really know what that means? To be sure we are not Buddhists or Muslims or Hindus, but do we know what it means to be Christian?
Unfortunately, Christianity is more noted for what we do or not do than for who He is, what He has done, and who His people now are because of it. Do we openly and regularly celebrate the nature of His cross-work and confirming resurrection?
Christians are different than non-Christians for the simple reason that we are forgiven of all our transgressions (Col. 2:13). As Christians we no longer carry the burden of guilt that daily and habitually grind the non-Christian into fine dust fragments of what it means to be made in His image. We no longer live with fear of the unknown or of God. We have a peace that passes all human understanding (Phil. 4:7). Christians are different because we live contented lives and die with hope (1 Thess. 4:13).
Christians do not live with the burden of trying to please their God and somehow in ways unknown they try to stumble into His favor and blessing (Eph. 1:3, 1 Thess. 5:23, 24). Christians do not carry grudges or judge people ruthlessly or live intolerant lives toward those who are different in culture, worship, or belief (Rom. 14). Christians love their enemies and do good to those who despitefully use them (Luke 6:27). Christians forgive even as they have been forgiven (Eph. 4:32).
Christians live well only because they have been forgiven and find themselves in a state of peace with their God. That is who we are. Christians find their ultimate pleasure in Christ and do derive pleasure in His gifts, but they never confuse the two (1 Tim. 6:17). Christians are satisfied with who Christ is, what He has done, and who they now are in Him.
Christians, despite their circumstances, joy in the joy of others and find all they need met in Him who never lacked (Col. 2:10).
Sometimes what we do is a far cry from who we are or rather who He is. But who He is, is who we are and who He is, is what we do. We are not living to please Him; we live because we please Him. As we live in a winter season, let us not forget that our convenience and comfort are not the ultimate goal of creation, but His glory and our dependency on Him in whom all things will be summed up, “things in the heavens and things on the earth (Eph. 1:10).”
I would encourage you to put your mind on these things (Col. 3:1-4). Think on those things which speak of His deep love for you in rescuing you from hopelessness and eternal damnation. Think about your redemption, justification, sanctification, His propitiation, and your position. It is on Him that we are to “hang our hat.”
When you really think about it, “What do you need that you do not already have in Him?” My desire is to see Him in His fullness. After that, nothing else really matters.
By Pastor Patrick J. Griffiths. For more information see the Waukesha Bible Church series When Winter Comes.
