Tuesday, January 12

Most of you have probably heard this statement before; “It’s not what you know, but who you know that really matters.” Usually people who use this phrase are talking about connections that can help get you in somewhere; a job interview, a sales contact, a school, a dinner reservation, etc. As Christians this phrase can also be made to apply to our eternal destination, it is not our knowledge of the Bible, but our relationship with Jesus Christ that will get us “in”.

But let’s look at this question from a couple of different angles as it relates to the Christian life.

First of all, who do you know?
Who do you really know? Who is in your “inner circle” of trusted Christian friends? Who looks to you for counsel, guidance, spiritual advice or just to listen to them when they are in need?

Second, who knows you?
Who really knows you? Who do you share your struggles with? Who do you look to for counsel, advice or a listening ear? Who do you allow to challenge you or confront you in your life? Who do you not have secrets from?

Consider this quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book Life Together;
If a Christian is in the fellowship of confession with a brother, then he will never be alone again anywhere. (p.113) Bonhoeffer is talking about the spiritual reality and power of Christian community.

It is not easy to truly know or be known by others in this way. Our natural reaction is to withhold at least part of ourselves from others because we want them to like us. Sometimes we even hide the truth from ourselves.

God has given us the gift of community; authentic relationships where He is at the center, in order that we do not have to withhold, pretend or hide.

Take a moment to list those who you feel are closest to you…

Thank God for the true friends in your life.
Ask God to help you develop the kind of relationships that will help you to grow into the person He wants you to be.