Living Life by Design

I have often mentioned that I didn’t grow us in a family that showed their affection. My sister and I knew we were loved, but saying, “I love you” or hugging just wasn’t done. This left an emptiness inside of me. I became angry and bitter. I couldn’t identify it at the time but I was searching something to fill that painful void. Once I accepted Christ into my heart the void was immediately filled. I had found the tangible, physical acceptance and love that I had been searching for.

Two years after my wife and I married, we decided it was time to start a family. Since that time we have been blessed with 3 children and 6 grandchildren. It’s commonplace (and expected) that greeting are followed by hugs and farewells followed by, “I love you.” Everyone in my family knows they are loved. But as strong as our relationships are, none trumps my relationship with my wife. That relationship always comes first. It is the example I’ve given my children and the two who are now married have followed that example.

At the heart of the Christian faith is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. To be a Christian is to know and love Christ.

What is this relationship like? The Bible describes it using human language, and human analogies. It is a relationship of the closest possible intimacy. It is like that of a parent and child (Luke 1; Romans 8). But Paul goes even further in terms of intimacy: he refers to Christ as our husband and the church as his bride (2 Corinthians 11:2; also Ephesians 5:22–33). This is the closest, most important and most intimate relationship of all.

All intimate relationships (including our relationships with our spouse and with Jesus) require effort and time if they are to grow and flourish. Decide today to devote time and energy to your relationship with Jesus…