What’s It All About?
What is Christianity really all about? Is it a philosophy? A worldview? A moral system? A solution for our problems? A set of doctrines and beliefs? A religion? What is it really?
I don’t know about you, but when I was first introduced to Christianity I remember hearing people tell me time and time again that Christianity is first and foremost a relationship. I think I heard it so many times that it almost became a cliché in my mind. It became something so basic to me that I found it a little trite, if I’m honest. In the end though, it turns out that I’m the basic one! Because time and time again, I find myself busy doing Christian things but forgetting that those things only make sense in relationship with God. I mean, what’s the point of reading the Bible regularly if it isn’t leading us into deeper love and worship for God? What’s the point of prayer if not for deeper communion with God? What’s the point of doctrine if it remains an abstraction in our mind and never translates into how we live in relationship with God?
Nowadays, when the Holy Spirit comes along and prods me, reminding me that God hasn’t left the room, that I can actually speak directly to him and enjoy his presence (it sounds so fundamental I feel silly saying this!), I don’t find it trite, I find it refreshing. You see, Jesus didn’t come to give us a new philosophy or system. He came to restore our relationship with God. He was God! And he dealt with the chasm of sin that lay between us and himself by taking our sin upon himself and dying on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). Now, nothing lies between us! We can actually know God! We can abide in his presence (John 15) and walk in intimacy with the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-17), and I find that nothing fulfils me more than relationship with Jesus. This world, this life, doesn’t make sense without this relationship. So now, I don’t mind if I come across as trite, because I know how easy it is to do Christian things without knowing Christ. Christianity is about relationship. Don’t take that for granted, don’t act like Jesus isn’t in the room, allow your Christian doings to lead you to Christ.
For your joy,
Ben
