HOSEA 6:3 – “Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.”

THEME OF THE DAY: THE PRIVILEGE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF BEING A CHRISTIAN.  When is the last time we got off the fast lane of life, purposefully went someplace to be alone with God, pondered what an awesome privilege it is to be a Christian, and then found ourselves lost in worship and amazement of the love of God, the grace of God, and the mercy of God that made us Christians?

Now, don’t forget the second part of today’s nugget theme . . . When is the last time we got off the fast lane of life, purposefully went some place to be alone with God, pondered what an awesome responsibility it is to be a Christian, and then found ourselves humbled over the amazing love of God, grace of God, and the mercy of God that He would call us to Himself to be on His mission in the world?

Let’s return to the first part.  Our Lord Jesus would tell us in the opening of His High Priestly prayer of John 17 what is the true meaning of salvation (eternal life) and in doing so identifies the privilege, the greatest privilege, we have as Christians –  “When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent”” (John 17:1-3).  What is that privilege? Knowing God. Think about that for a minute.  We know God. We who once did not know Him, actually were His enemies, have been given, not earned, the privilege of knowing God.  J.I. Packer in his classic book Knowing God stated, “What were we made for? Knowing God. What should our aim in life be? Knowing God. What is the best thing in life? Knowing God. What is the eternal life Christ gives? Knowing God. What in us gives God the most pleasure? Knowing God.” Since this is our greatest privilege, it should also be our greatest priority and pursuit in life.  The testimony of the Apostle Paul becomes ours – “That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10).

Now the second part of today’s nugget theme – our responsibility as Christians.  This too may be viewed as a privilege, but it is also our duty or responsibility.  It is defined for us by Jesus in two places; the Great Commission and His last words before His ascension – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20) and “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).  We are a people called out to proclaim Jesus’ gospel in words and conduct.  Silent Christians don’t exist, and the more experience we have in our privilege as Christians – knowing God – the more we will embrace and obey our responsibility.

So, take time soon. Get alone with the Lord and be in awe that we are Christians. Then evaluate if the privilege is fueling our responsibility.  It will.

PRAYER:  Father, may I never take for granted the privilege of being Your child and knowing You, and Your Son.

REFLECTION: Stay close to the Lord. It will keep us from taking it for granted that we are Christians.