Belonging to Christ

Belonging to Christ

And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. Romans 1:6 NIV

Welsh Pastor Selwyn Hughes said that, "Some churches substitute Christianity for Christ. Too many pulpits are occupied by men and women who are strong on assertions but weak on assurance." I admit that Pastor Hughes' words bring to light my own affliction as well. I sometimes find myself playing the role of a Christian while only loosely engaging Christ. Without a steady and strong relationship with Christ, I slip into religion instead of relationship.

I think that religious rules are no place to engage God. While the protocols of religion are not bad in themselves, they have a horrible habit of fooling us into thinking we have engaged God. In other words, going to church and being a "good Christian" will never take the place of knowing that (and living like) you belong to Jesus. Pastor Hughes says it better, "The end of our calling is not to be good, but to belong." We should do the things we do not out of a religious fervor, but out of knowing that we belong to Christ.

Every ministry, no matter its size, becomes effective when its leaders make religion second and make Jesus first. Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and everything else will be added to you (Matthew 6:33). Make Christ Lord and he will add wisdom, blessing, godly hardship that leads to maturity, finances, healing, understanding and joy. Without making Jesus Lord, any good thing will be hard to come by. Belonging to Jesus must always come first. Knowing that you belong to God is the wellspring from which all other good things flow.