Lifeling Journey

Well here we are in a new year and I have taken up the challenge to attempt to record something of my exploration of life through this means. I have commenced a new book titled "The Lego Principle" (The power of connecting to God and one another) by Joey Bonifacio. For those who have followed this blog previously you will know this follows something of a strong belief of mine that we are to be about "connecting" - to God, each other and our community.

Along with reading this I have commenced again the Life Journal Reading Plan today, and along with a great friend look to explore the passages together in relation to "what has God to say to us". Thus it was shared with me the reminder from the creation story, that God doesn't want us to be alone. Often I refer to this in the sense that inherently within each of us is a need for, longing for relationship. In the first place this is with God as Creator and beyond this with each other. We are not created to be as islands standing alone, rather purposed in creation to interact and know love through our relationships with each other.

Joey Bonifacio in his exploration of discipleship takes us back to the Matthew 28: 19-20 passage -

¹⁹ Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,^[a] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. ²⁰ Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (NLT)  
 

He commences with this notion of baptism and what this might mean for us in relation to what it meant for Jesus as He too was baptised and the strong connection this forms with God. The emphasis placed upon being "fully immersed, submerged, and soaked. Every part of Him (Jesus) was dedicated and consecrated as He publicly identified Himself with God."

In The Salvation Army I have personally seen our use of the Mercy Seat as a symbolism of the act of baptism whereby our kneeling identifies us with the total surrender to Christ (identifying with Christ in the fully being immersed, submerged and soaked) and rising in the triumphant power of the resurrection with Christ. Note the connectedness we have with Jesus in this act whereby we give over "everything" to live in Him, to be identified with Him in this newness of life.

Go back a moment to the Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3: 13-17) and be reminded of what was of particular significance, not the actual ritual but the result of Jesus' baptism, says Joey Bonifacio. As the words are echoed again for us, "This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased." Words that reflect the strength of the relationship. Words that we might be reminded are for us when we connect to God in our being fully immersed, submerged and soaked in the Spirit  of God.

Connecting with each other...

You will know by now if you have followed my Blog that I am sold out on the need for us to be connected. I have shared before the need to be connected to God, however the second element is the need to be "connected with each other", that is, with each other within the church. 

The focus within this must not be about creating a "club", which has tended to happen in the past. This is not about securing ourselves in a protected environment away from the ills and threats of the world. Rather, this ought to be a place where we find support, encouragement and are spurred on in our discipleship, following Christ, living Christ in the world (wherever we are).

It is good, and important for us to stop and think about this. We need to ensure that our gathering together is healthy and wholesome. That the focus is upon the interest of others and not merely about us. Of recent I have thought a bit about this. I have wondered about us exercising some 'lag time' before we make response in our conversations. Take the time to ask ourselves the question, 'is this conversation or subject helpful and beneficial, or might it be counted as gossip or really none of my business?' I think it is time that we stood up for what is right and honest and of benefit to others, rather than getting caught up in matters that might not be the 'whole truth' or that might not be 'helpful' to another, whether directly or by what it might do to their character.

How different church, and the whole of life for that matter, might be, if our conversations and interest are in regard to the spiritual journey of each other and how we might best support one another practically or prayerfully. Of recent I have appreciated occasions with people whereby this has been the centre of our conversations (over a good coffee of course). Our focus has been upon our encounter with Christ through the Word (the Scriptures) and in our everyday experiences, how He (Jesus) has revealed Himself to us. Fresh discoveries. New learning's. This has been so liberating, so encouraging and exciting. The other thing is, you find you want more of it. And, it fits you (equips you) for living in the everyday.

Interestingly, Jesus said, "By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13: 35 (NLT)

Let's do it! Let's ensure that we are intent on what is good for each other, seeking to make a positive impact upon one another, so that we are clearly identified as belonging to Christ, known as His disciples, His followers. If this happens, I believe people will want to be journeying with us, they desire genuine people in their lives. Let's score some wins for Jesus!