“I in them and you in me – so that they may be one as we are one” (John 17:23).

Have you ever thought:

“If only I had gotten that new job I would be so much happier.” 

“If only I had not taken this job everything would be okay.” 

“If only I lived in our dream house I would be so happy.”

“If only I had that fancy new car I would be so happy.”

“If only I could marry a person like that I would be so much happier”

You already know that this is foolishness. We have been down this road so many times in our lives and we have actually gotten that new job, and we’ve lived in our “dream house”, and we’ve bought that fancy new car only to discover that you were still you! Nothing changed. The happiness and joy from that new toy or job or spouse is fleeting. It is so temporary.

Jesus tells us that the secret to happiness is not out there, but it has everything to do with what’s inside of us – Is Jesus in you? The key to living a purposeful, joy filled life is Christ in me. 

Is Jesus in you? 

I don’t have a verse of the day. But this is something I’ve been giving much thought to lately.

We live in a world where we are so divided that we are no longer able to speak with one another nor hear one another. Spouses, friends, families are no longer able to speak about some things because we are so far apart on our convictions. We are so convinced we are right that anyone who doesn’t see the world the way we see the world are wrong.

There is nothing wrong with convictions. They are good and necessary. But when we place convictions on things that ought to be beliefs, we get into trouble.

There are things that are black and white:

• For instance, things that are black or white. Black is black. It is either black or it is not.
• Or, God is God. That’s it. There are no other options.

But not all things are black and white. In fact, most of the world and issues we deal with are not black and white. They are all kinds of shades of gray. That’s why we use the language – “Here’s what I think…” “This is what I believe…” But when we use language that way, we are also saying this is what I think to the best of my ability with the knowledge and information I currently possess. AND I am open to being corrected given better information.

When we use black and white convictions in the area of gray…well…that’s just foolish.

So what are things that are gray? I am glad you asked. Anything other than the essentials (Jesus is the only way to God, God is God and we are not, the Bible is the only authority, etc.) fall into the category of gray. For instance:

• Modes of baptism – dunking, pouring, sprinkling
• Forms of worship – contemporary, traditional
• Women in leadership
• Denominations
• Etc.

One of the reasons why I think our country is so divided and we are so unable to speak and hear one another is because we keep using the language and attitude of conviction in areas that are gray.

When a person is absolutely convinced they are right, then anyone who sees the world differently is wrong. That is perfectly fine in things that are black and white. But, in the areas that are gray…that’s just sad…for the person who’s convinced they are right and for everyone around them.

There are things that belong in the black and white category. Jesus is the only way to salvation. God is God and we are not. The Bible is the only authority. But pretty much everything else belongs in the shades of gray and it is inappropriate to attach black and white convictions.

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes (1 Corinthians 11:22-26).

When Jesus knew he only had a few hours before he would be crucified, of all things, Jesus chose to gather with his disciples for a meal.

Christians call this meal the Holy Communion. This meal, this gathering, this sharing is what we hold in common. This unites us. This reminds us who we are – sinners in need of a Savior, in need of God’s grace.

At Jesus’ deepest need, Jesus chose companionship. The etymology of the word companion is:

• com – meaning with
• panis – bread

A companion is someone who you break bread with.

At Jesus’ deepest need, Jesus chose companions to break bread with.

We were created for relationship. Jesus said, “Where two or more are gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).

You want the presence of Jesus? You won’t find it in isolation. It’s only when you gather with your companions.

Soooooo……have you signed up for a small group yet?

If the small groups are full and/or the times don’t work for you, you can be a part of the Romans Bible Study class I lead on Wednesdays at 1pm. You are always welcome to join at any time.