Sometimes little sayings stay with you and guide you, as they crystallise
essential truth. One of those for me is the saying, ‘Christianity is not a
religion, it’s a relationship’. That is to say, I think, that it is not
about us finding ways to climb to God, but us relating to the God who has
climbed down to us.
We come into that relationship by grace. That’s one reason why
Christianity, in my understanding, is so different to other faiths and
religions. It is Person to person. It is not dependent on what we deserve.
We don’t have to prove ourselves.
Perhaps that is why, ironically to some, I have never felt particularly
religious. I am simply an average human being with a range of emotions,
drives, anxieties, obsessions, prejudices and struggles as are other human
beings. All that is filtered through the dynamics of my family up-bringing
and the cultural values that surround me. Sometimes I can rise above the
fallenness of my human nature with acts which are a little less selfish
than at other times, as others do. Essentially I am no different to anyone
else. I just happen to have Jesus as my friend.
Is that a bit simplistic? Yes and no. We can theologise about it, which is
necessary at times. Yet it is the grave misconception of Christians by
others that we are somehow better than others, or make out that we are. No,
I think it is just the self-realisation that we are messed up and broken
human beings and He is the One who came to do something about it! As an
old bumper sticker used to put it, ‘Christians aren’t perfect, just
forgiven’.
Christianity is about a relationship with God in Christ. Friendship with
Jesus. It is a daily walk with a living friend who is with always and
forever, who loves us and forgives us, and, yes, who challenges us and
moulds our character and behaviour to be more like His. He disciplines
those he loves, so we are not be surprised by tests and trials we go
through.
As we come to this season leading up to Christmas, this Advent, who is
Jesus to you? Is he your friend? How can you introduce him to others?
In your gifts and greetings to others this year, how might you express what
He means to you? Look at the words on the cards – do they remind us that
Christmas celebrates the birth of the Saviour of the world or are they more
general ‘season’s greetings’ type cards? People today have little clue as
to the real Jesus, and maybe we can sew some seeds in provoke some
curiosity. Would it be appropriate to give one of the gospels to a friend
to read, or a ‘Why Christmas?’ booklet by Nicky Gumbel?
If we are friends of Jesus, we have the most precious relationship of all.
This is the perfect time of year to share it!