The real deal ...

I think we are experiencing some interesting times. Certainly on the political scene in Australia with a change of leadership there are some lessons to be learnt, whether a politician or a Christian. Mostly, in my eyes anyway, I see that people want the "real deal".

One of my passions is learning about leadership. In particular I would hone that down to spiritual leadership. I want to lead well. I want to be developing others through my leadership style. I want to be developing and learning and changing (for the better) in who I am through this experience.

So we hear (and read) words associated with stand out or good leadership. Elements like, integrity, honesty, truthfulness, reliable, real, authentic, and genuine.

I was prompted to think about this again today when I read these words from Paul's second letter to Timothy:

2 Timothy 1:5 (New Living Translation)

5 I remember your genuine faith,

for you share the faith that first filled

your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice.

And I know that same faith continues strong in you.

2 Timothy 1:5 (The Message)

5That precious memory triggers another:

your honest faith—and what a rich faith it is,

handed down from your grandmother Lois

to your mother Eunice, and now to you!

That is how I would like to be remembered. For the fact that my faith was genuine, honest and rich. The fact that there was nothing pretentious. Nothing fake about it. Nothing put on. Rather I was identified as being "real."

 

"Lord, Your Son proved in His life that these character traits were possible. So it is that I desire to have my life absorbed into His character. I want to mirror Christ to the world. Help me to be real in my interactions, in all circumstances, and in this to bring glory to You."

Know God ...

One of the passages I was drawn to today through my reading of Prayer Coach by James L. Nicodem, was the seventeenth chapter of John's Gospel. It is actually a prayer that Jesus uttered in the presence of the disciples. The verses that particularly stood out were these:

John 17:2-3 (New Living Translation)

2 For you have given him authority over everyone.

He gives eternal life to each one you have given him.

3 And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you,

the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.

John 17:2-3 (The Message)

Jesus' Prayer for His Followers

You put him in charge of everything human

So he might give real and eternal life to all in his charge.

And this is the real and eternal life:

That they know you,

The one and only true God,

And Jesus Christ, whom you sent.

Do you see the purpose for which Jesus comes amongst us? That each might know eternal life. And how about the way Eugene Peterson captures it, real and eternal life. And then the explanation. Because people will wonder, question, desire to know - what is this real and eternal life to which Jesus refers? What does this look like? How will I know I have obtained it? Jesus reminds us that it is in knowing God, the one and only true God. That is the difference. There are indeed many "gods". Many and varying forms that capture the worship, admiration and seeking of people. But we would believe there is only One who is the "I AM who I AM," like none other.

In the Old Testament we see continually the people getting caught up in worship of all sorts of creations and so many forms. Constantly we observe the failure of these to perform, to provide and to meet the needs of the people. Yes, they may even at times appear to do something for the people on the surface at times, but they continue to be proven as counterfeit. When put to the test they continue to come up short. God however is Triumphant. He is the Conqueror. He is the proven Creator and Sustainer of life.

We do well to latch onto this thought and actively participate in seeking after, and getting to know personally, the one and only true God as revealed in Jesus Christ.