jordan muck

People have come into my office looking for help with their relationship Christ.  I love talking and discussing what a relationship with Christ looks like and how God is at work in other peoples lives.  However, sometimes people struggle with a relationship with Christ.  Something just isn’t right in their walk, God isn’t “working”, they don’t “feel” Him, etc.  The list goes on and on.  One of the biggest problems with this train of thought is people focusing on a religion and not their relationship with Jesus.

Here’s some help for those looking to get out of the religion rut and start walking on the relationship path with Christ.

• Give not Get: Our relationship with Christ can be gaged at how much time and energy we spend pursuing Jesus. One of the biggest misconceptions about a relationship with Jesus is thinking about what you are going to get out of the deal. Sure heaven is a great bonus but a we forget Christ died on the cross for your sins. What can we do to honor the king because of His perfect sacrifice? Focus on what you are giving to the relationship instead of what your getting. Think, “How can I give more to my relationship with Christ” instead of asking, “What will I get from a relationship with Jesus.”
• Jesus is Not a Band-Aid: Jesus never said he was going to heal every wound, problem, or dilemma you ever had. As a matter of fact, Paul talks about a thorn in his flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) that God purposely didn’t take away. While asking for Christ to take away certain problems in your life, you must remember that there is a chance He will keep them there so that you will grow. Jesus isn’t here as your personal genie to grant you wishes every time you pray for something. Focus on being content in any and all circumstances (Philippians 4).
• Normal People Doubt: We all think, it’s a part of the human machine. There will always be moments when we may be pulled another direction and “doubt” God is present or alive. People ask all the time, “Where was Christ when _____. (fill in the blank)” This is one of the biggest lies the devil wants people to buy into. Satan wants you to doubt God, to question His absence. His desire is to see you fail and turn away from God’s amazing grace because he “wasn’t there”. God is always there. Even when we don’t see Him, we can count on his faithfulness daily (Hebrews 13:5-6).
• Honesty Goes Along Way: Everyone in the bible who has tried to hide from God or ran from Him gets found.  In every area of your spiritual walk you must be completely honest with Christ.  God tells us that he knows our hearts, our words, and our actions (Psalm 139).  Communication is crucial to a healthy relationship with Christ.  Are you being honest with Him? How are you communicating with Him?  What are you holding back that God already knows about?

Seems obvious doesn’t it?  What did I miss?

-Jordan