God created mankind with relationships in mind: relationships with Him and with one another. Therefore, His hope is that we get to know Him and value the relationship; as it is one intended to be experienced in the earth and for eternity in heaven. This relationship, or union, is expressed through a way of active engagement; or true communion.
RELEVANCE
God’s idea for a relationship with Him is a dynamic union flowing in the substance of His life—His Spirit. So, He desires quality relationships that will testify of His presence and active involvement in our life. In fact, through Daniel, He made this very clear before the king of Babylon, the leader of the world’s greatest power of the day, “the Most High rules in the kingdom of men” (Daniel 4:32 ).
More than expressing His dominion over the earth, God desires the devotion of the hearts of His children. It’s how He reigns through us. As He does, we get to participate in His awesome works! That’s why He seeks a strong relationship with us.
David, the man after God’s own heart, experienced such a relationship with God. He understood that maintaining a practice of self-examination to stay right with God was a key element of the relationship. “Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart” (Psalm 26:2).
For this same reason Paul admonishes us to examine ourselves before participating in the LORD’s communion. “So let a person examine himself first, and then he may eat of the bread and drink from the cup; for a person who eats and drinks without recognizing the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself” (1 Corinthians 11:28-29 JNT). By God’s grace we can come clean before Him and enjoy rich communion with Him!
REFLECT AND RELATE
How do you examine your standing—or health of your relationship with God?
Are there crevices in your heart that the Holy Spirit may be shedding light upon to bring your heart into a greater degree of sanctification, and unity with God?
REFERENCES
2 Thessalonians 2:13; 4:1-3; Ephesians 1:15-21