“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him…”
Colossians 2:6–7
I would often hear newer, younger Christians say, “I want to give back to the Lord. He’s done so much for me!”
If we as pastors and leaders over-emphasize serving, giving, and living FOR Jesus, then we tend to make disciples who are “doers, givers, and servants for Jesus” rather than disciples who first learn how to live IN Jesus.
Maybe you’ve heard it said, “Doing flows out of being.” In other words, what we do for Jesus should flow out of who we are becoming in Jesus. And how should we cultivate this kind of relationship with Him? What are ways you develop an “in Jesus” relationship? For me, daily (and throughout the day) surrender to the presence of His Spirit in me will convict, teach, and guide me to a deep, meaningful, daily connection in Him.
Here are a couple practical ways I try to cultivate an IN JESUS relationship:
Silent Meditation: A few minutes of silence in my quiet car (after any activity) or my bedroom, purposefully meditating on God, taking a few deep breaths (I’m learning about breath/brain work), thanking God for His presence. I don’t pray for others, ask God for anything… I really try to empty my thoughts, soul of everything except the Godhead (who He is as God, His attributes).
Read Scripture Out Loud: I specifically choose passages about the character and person of God: the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit to read out loud. I repeat reciting passages three, four, five or more times. Then I close my eyes for a few seconds to a minute, thanking God for who He is.
There are myriads of spiritual disciplines we can incorporate to grow IN JESUS. So while we live FOR Jesus, let’s learn to live IN Jesus. And the more we live IN Him, the more naturally our lives begin to reflect Jesus. Let’s dedicate our lives to live FROM Jesus, IN Jesus, then FOR Jesus.
