Monterrey Devotion Day 3: Relationship

Today’s devotion is short and sweet, but probably one of the most difficult challenges for me personally. Today, I want us to focus on building relationships.

Again, turn to Philippians—this time to Chapter 3, Verses 7-10:

7 I once thought these things (he’s talking about the Jewish law—the “rules” of the tabernacle) were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ, For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead.

Look at those first 5 words in verse 10 and ponder them a moment:

I want to know Christ

God didn’t desire for us just to have head knowledge of Him. He didn’t desire for us to “go through the motions”. Nor did He want us to merely pay “lip service” to Him. He desires a RELATIONSHIP with us. Paul didn’t want to know about Christ. He wanted to KNOW CHRIST.

I always relate this to the President of the United States. I know a lot about George Bush. If I wanted to know more, I there are thousands of websites, newspaper clippings, books, etc. where I could learn more about Him. But, though I know about him, I don’t know George Bush. He is not my personal friend. I have never had a conversation with him.

But I KNOW the God of the Universe—the One, True God—through my relationship with Jesus. I haven’t touched Him, but I’ve talked with Him, and He has touched my heart many times!

Today, act out of that relationship with Him. Ask Him to help you be bold to build relationship with the people here in Monterrey. Today, we may encounter parents of a child we’ve taught in crafts, or a prisoner who needs a kind word and a warm handshake. We may meet a child who wants to tell us their thoughts about God in their simple, but awesome way. Or, the singer singing next to us may need someone to stop and pray with them. Look for ways to KNOW the people you encounter today in a meaningful way.

Lord, this is probably the most challenging thing for me. You know how I am made. I am an introvert. I don’t like to meet new people, and it is hard for me to know what to say or how to begin a conversation. Please speak through me. Help me to draw closer to You today so that You may draw closer to them through me. Help me not to withdraw as I meet new people, but to risk so that others may come to know You through my life and testimony. Pour out Your message from this shy soul. Help me to be sensitive to the needs of those around me. In and of myself, this is something I cannot do. I need Your power and Your guidance.