“Spirituality wrongly understood or pursued is a major source of human misery and rebellion against God.” – Dallas Willard
Christians use a lot of words like “salvation,” “grace,” and “faith.” How often do we stop and really think about what those words mean?
We’re hungry to the core of our soul for relationship. The degree to which that need goes unfulfilled is the degree to which we will lose ourselves in the pursuit of more. More everything. Money. Power. Drugs and alcohol. Sexual gratification. Shopping. Whatever. When we don’t fulfill that core need for relationship, too much of something will never be enough.
Much more than rules, faith in Christ is about having a relationship with a Person. Every desire that you and I have ultimately finds its purest and fullest satisfaction only in God.
But that means God only as He is rightly understood.
Jesus’ message is frequently miscommunicated and misunderstood. Much of the Christian journey is about learning, learning to bring our distorted vision of God and spirituality more and more into focus.
Jesus’ core message is not primarily about distant promises that are of benefit to us only after we die. It’s about the influence of His life upon ours right here, right now. True Christian faith is about giving our lives to Him so that we can experience true life and share with others the greatest invitation that has ever been offered to humanity.
People don’t get married begrudgingly, they enter into that relationship with joy. Christianity should look like that. The more you understand what comes alive within you as you let go of things that enslave you, you’ll feel more empowered to let them go, and to do it with joy.
I had a great conversation with Pastor John Ortberg about all of this recently, and we’re airing it on our Focus on the Family Broadcast. We called it “Radically Rediscovering Salvation,” and I invite you to listen in on your local radio station, online, on iTunes, via Podcast, or on our free phone app.
Our talk will clear up misconceptions about Christianity for people with questions. And for those who already believe, it’ll re-inspire you with how good life with God can be.
John has written a great book titled Eternity is Now in Session: A Radical Rediscovery of What Jesus Really Taught About Salvation, Eternity, and Getting to the Good Place. I’d like to send you a copy for a gift of any amount. Visit our website for more information. If you can’t afford it, we’ll find a way to get it to you.
You may also be interested in a free online booklet we’ve written called, “Coming Home: An Invitation to Join God’s Family.” It will help you understand how to find true life right here, right now.
John Ortberg is the senior pastor of Menlo Church in the San Francisco Bay area.
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