Why Not Now: Prioritizing My Relationship with the Church - Monday
John 14:23
Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.” (NLT)
We started 2022 off with two incredible series: Beautiful Fences and Revolt. Combined, these 8 weeks helped solidify what we as a church are pursuing, what ground we are holding, and restated what our role in God’s plan is. This week, we are going to work through what it looks like to prioritize our relationship with the Church by talking about the way of life we challenge everyone at Southland to live. At Southland, we Love God and Love People, and we live life With Jesus, In Community, and On Mission. These pieces put together paint us a picture of a prioritized relationship with the Church—because when we pursue each of those things, we pursue a biblical life that naturally puts the Church in its proper place.
Love God. This seems like the most basic aspect of being a Christian and being part of a church, where we come together to study the Word and learn about how He cares for us and how we have been loved beyond comprehension. How do we prioritize that relationship, though? How do we prioritize loving God? I personally spend way more time making sure I appreciate and understand how He loves me, not so much on how I can show Him love. I mean, surely He can understand my intentions and how they point to my love for Him. Well, actually… I’d prefer that my intentions aren’t looked into too closely, now that I think about it. How do I express love towards God and not just receive His love?
Good thing God instructs us on how to do this:
Proverbs 8:17 tells us seeking the Lord is crucial to our relationship with the Lord.
Matthew 6:24 refers back to the commandment to have no gods before Him.
John 14:15 says we will keep His commandments if we love Him.
Romans 13:10 tells us loving a neighbor fulfills God’s law.
Mark 12:30 and most of the other gospels tell us that our love for God is best expressed when it is done with all we have: heart, soul, mind, and strength.
God makes it clear that when we are loving people, which includes people in the Church and outside of it, that is loving God.
Monday’s Reflection
Take a moment to meditate on today’s scripture. Start thinking about how loving God and loving people works in tandem, and what that can mean in your life and relationships. Then pray and express your love for Him specifically.
