Love
On the very first page of our Bibles, we read that God created human beings in His image. This incredible act has challenged students of His Word for generations. What does it mean to be created “in the image of God”?
Scholars have devoted years of study and reams of academic writings trying to explain it. Preachers have preached countless sermons to address it. But, the image of God has proven to be a bit elusive in our attempts to arrive at a full understanding of its meaning.
Perhaps it may be helpful to embrace the idea that the human beings have been created to live in community with one another. This truth is connected to the image of God in all of us. God exists in perfect community as Father, Son and Spirit. Since we are created in His image, we also are to live in community – in relationship with others.
The testimony of Scripture seems to bear this out. God has not designed human beings to live in isolation. There may be a temporary calling on occasion to solitude. But, on the whole, God has uniquely designed us to live together in relationships.
Relationships add texture to our lives. Relationships enrich us and bless us. As followers of Jesus, we are to be vitally linked to other believers in significant spiritual relationships. One aspect of spiritual connectedness is our need for accountability. As the saying goes, iron sharpens iron. Your life should be so deeply connected to some other Christian believers that you challenge each other to be more responsible followers of Jesus.
In other words, we need each other. We need to be connected to one another in healthy, meaningful relationships. Your journey with Jesus needs to include significant connections with others who are on the same journey. These are the people who will encourage you, minister to you, befriend you, challenge you and love you. There is no substitute for these vital relationships in the lives of believers.
The church is the body of Christ. Here is where these meaningful relationships take on purpose. God connects us to just the right people at just the right time in just the right place so that His purposes can be served. You are to discover your place in the body and serve alongside others in the context of loving, healthy relationships.
The Love sermon series runs July 17-September 10, 2011.