Relationship?

Over the years I was told that I needed to have a relationship with Jesus. It all sounded good to me, and I assumed that going to Bible Studies, church, and being a leader in church was how I made this a reality. Sadly enough, no one every told me, or even showed me what a true 'Relationship' with Christ was, and how to really have one.

How about you? If you were asked right now the same question "Do you have a true relationship with Jesus" what would your reply be? Would it be the generic reply of 'Church People' "Yes I do!" or would it be a genuine, scripturally backed answer that would provide evidence that you do? Sadly enough, when I surrendered to Christ everyone told me that I needed to have a realtionship with Jesus, but no one was willing to show me how this would become reality.

Let me present a litenacy test that will show you what a person with a 'True' relationship with Christ life would possess:

They are never the same person each time you meet with them.

They have dealt with sin in their life, and are not making excuses for sin anymore.

They do not continue to sin.

They are always willing to share their time, money, and lives with anyone in need.

They have a heart for the lost, and are actually doing something about it.

They always give glory to God, and take no glory for themselves.

They always spend more time in prayer, doing His will, and in His Word rather than their own desires.

They always lead people to the cross instead of away from it.

They are not church participators, they are doers in the church.

They will not allow the wrong music, tv shows, or movies into their lives

Okay, How did you stack up?

Now, what about a person who claims to have a relationship with Christ the evidence of their lives show they don't?

They make excuses for sin, and blame the devil for why they fall.

They do not ever want to be held accountable for their wrong doings.

They go to church, but they surely don't want to be there everytime the door is open.

They need a break from church stuff, and people.

They have no problem listening to secular music, or watching movies or tv shows that they know Jesus would not be watching with them.

They would like to give to the needy, but their bills and pleasure come first.

They wear the T-Shirts, pas out tracks, and go to all the concerts, so thats doing their part.

They justify not doing the good that they ought to be doing.

They always say "It's by grace, not by works!"

These are just a few things to ponder. Of course there are many that would want to shoot a few scriptures at this instead of looking in the mirror and saying "Wow! I don't have a realtionship with Jesus. The other day I had the privilege of celebrating my 30 year wedding anniversary with my wife. I know beyond a shadow of doubt that I have a realtionship with her because I love to talk with her, walk with her, do things she wants to do, as well as desiring to be with her everyday. How about you? Do you really have a relationship, or has Jesus and the church only been an aquaitance in your life~