We can read the Bible and miss the point that we’re continuing where the early church’s story ends. We are on the same exciting adventure.
The writings of the prophets and apostles outline the Word of God, which explains reality. That reality informs how we view the present and invites us to consider what life can produce when we abide in Christ, be shaped by the will of God, and then function in the power of the Spirit.
Christ-like Character – We can expect individuals committed to growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and developing the character that reflects that. Paul and Peter paint a picture of these followers of Jesus who know they’re saved and filled by God’s Spirit because they produce faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and love. No individual produces these in isolation – these qualities emerge in the reality of interactions with others to allow this fruit to emerge. Individual development heavily depends on various relationships, especially those with the heart to pursue what matters to God.
God-honouring relationships – Those who have their foundation in Christ cultivate the relationships that show His qualities in action. Those relationships are marked by the desire to make peace, encourage forgiveness, extinguish sin and promote the wisdom of God. Collaborative relations that challenge and stir each other to love and good works. Equally capable of rebuking and restoring, keen to outdo each other in honouring one another. Not in it to be self-absorbed and suck all the energy from the room, but also the kind of relationships that give room for confession, repentance and renewal. These relationships are seen between those in the family of God and determine how the essential social unit of the family is constructed as the husband loves the wife who respects him. They present a godly relationship to their children, who learn what it is to honour in their interactions with their parents. These extend to workplace relations that honour the dynamics whilst never exploiting, demeaning, or belittling others, loving people and using resources rather than loving resources and using people.
Grace-filled communities – Where other communities either fail to relate productively or engage with each other on faulty grounds, those connected to Christ reflect what community looks like. Those who welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, consider the welfare of the poor and weak, celebrate success and victory from a place of joy, encourage wise living and responsibility, and express generosity of heart for the development of others. The commitment to unity underpins how the community operates, taking heed of the advice to humble themselves and submit to each other in a manner that reflects the lordship of Jesus Christ. There is no tolerance for evil and a strong vigilance to protect the values that matter. There’s patience in understanding that people grow in different ways. There’s persistence in encouraging growth rather than ever resting on past successes or becoming complacent because of their position. That lack of complacency is also reflected in their desire to grow deeper in their knowledge of the rule of God and wider in their reach in shining the light for others to see.
Spirit-propelled missions for Kingdom expansion – The culmination of the corporate commitment to produce fruit sees individuals and small groups keen to display and demonstrate this wonderful rule of God where it has yet to be witnessed. Whether that’s a coffee shop in a council estate or an orphanage where the need is evident, taking up a job to serve in war-torn areas or being a diligent and faithful presence in the local community displaying the goodness of God. Whatever and wherever the Spirit leads, this ragtag group of pilgrims are mobile to go where they’re led to express, explain, establish and further expand the gospel of Jesus Christ.
A relationship with God, informed by the gospel of Jesus Christ and inspired by His Spirit, informs how we view the present. Consider what life can produce when we abide in Christ, be shaped by God's will, and then function in the power of the Spirit.
For His Name's Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
