A wasted relationship–that’s what we have when we trust Christ for salvation, but then live our lives as if He is not in us. We have forfeited all the benefits of knowing Christ: The joy of His continuous presence, His boundless love and peace that emanate from Him, His wise counsel and leadership, our growth and usefulness to the kingdom, not to mention all the bonuses of deep friendships and experiences that we miss out on because we are not in step with the Spirit.

1 Listen, my children, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. 2 I give sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.
13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.
18 The path of the righteous [when walking with the Savior] is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

How often do we remind ourselves that we are sojourners on this planet? It is no longer our permanent home, nor are the things of this world our permanent goals. Jesus Christ is our LORD and Master. He is our Messiah, Yeshua Ha’Mashiach. We are preparing for His kingdom, not this one, even as His kingdom grows within us and links us to His kingdom in other Christians.

Jesus gave a parable in Luke 16 about the shrewd manager who was caught being “unwise” with his master’s finances. All of the wealth that was at his disposal was no longer going to be available to him. So, he called in his master’s debtors (those who owed him money) and lowered their debts so that they would welcome him and give him a job when his master fired him. Jesus commended the manager because he changed his viewpoint concerning that wealth from a goal to a means. This lesson is one that He would have us learn for everything from our jobs to our free time, from our necessities to our niceties. Everything must go on the table to be used as the LORD asks us to use them. To hold onto them as our end goal will tarnish them and we will miss the blessing and the reason with which we were entrusted with them.

Do you trust the LORD that much? Could you do it? Thankfully, our LORD is patient and kind, full of mercy and grace. He wants to walk with us and counsel us. He will show us what to do and give us the desire and the power to do it. But, the first thing we must do is commit ourselves to Him RIGHT NOW. Don’t wait. Do it now. Then, get in His Word and listen for His voice. If you read Luke 16, pay close attention to verses 10-15. It’s important.

Ponder this passage as you go about your day:

²⁴ Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:24-25

I reckon the question is, do you belong to Christ Jesus? Then, get with it! Let’s not waste our relationship with Him.

Abba, You know that crucifying my flesh with its passions and desires isn’t easy and that I fight it all the time. Thank You for Your Spirit who encourages me, consoles me, empowers me, and helps me try again and again. I know that I am in training. May I, after I have “preached” to others, not be disqualified for the prize (1 Corinthians 9:27). May I be personally diligent in all matters WITH YOUR HELP AND GUIDANCE. Amen.