Personal And Private!

It is interesting the words that are used to designate certain things or concepts that are put together that in a way make an odd combination. For example, think of the military designations of a "General" and a "Private". Is there anything more "general" than a Private or more "private" than a General? The General often gets "private" quarters while Privates are in "general" quarters with others. Think about it.

Having a "personal" relationship with Jesus is often talked about and to have such is certainly a necessity. I can't have a relationship with Jesus for you and you cannot have one for me. We each personally need the connection. However, is that ever focused on in a very "private" way? Someone has said, "While your relationship to Christ is personal, God never intended it to be private." What is our life acknowledging?

Jesus stated. . .
"(32) So EVERYONE WHO ACKNOWLEDGES ME BEFORE MEN, I ALSO WILL ACKNOWLEDGE BEFORE MY FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN, (33) but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven." ( Matthew 10:32-33 ESV)

Sounds fair enough, doesn't it? That acknowledgment or denial can be either verbal or simply by the manner in which we live our daily life. The relationship and acknowledgment of our Lord must be personal. However, it is also to be PUBLICLY EVIDENT in our life.

Are we "stealth" Christians, flying "under the radar", living undetected and unseen in the world? We are to seek to have a godly influence on those around us by being SALT AND LIGHT IN THIS WORLD. ( Matthew 5:13-16) It is also not to be forgotten that to have a relationship with Jesus Who is the Head of the church ( Ephesians 1:22; 5:23) is to also live as an individual part of His body ( Romans 12:5; Ephesians 1:23) which is the church. Therefore, to have a relationship with Him means we have a relationship with one another as well; being "MEMBERS ONE OF ANOTHER." ( Ephesians 4:25 ESV) That means there is a very personal relationship to be maintained, but it is not completely private. We don't just keep to ourselves. We are to be mindful of the opportunities to encourage each other as we consider "how to stir up one another to love and good works." ( Hebrews 10:24 ESV) That cannot happen unless we spend time with other believers. May we never lose sight of the purposes of our connections with others as we maintain our relationship with the Lord.

Have a great day PERSONALLY LIVING PUBLICLY FOR CHRIST'S GLORY!
Carl

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