“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”—John 8:31–32 (NIV) After I got married, many from my husband’s family members would say that ‘now’ I belong to their ancestral family. I would silently cringe away with a dislike of ‘it’ getting mentioned.
I liked to feel belonged to my parent's family and would never in my heart accept what they mentioned. I liked it since
I was comfortable with that.
I liked the way things were done in my side of the family.
I enjoyed all those traditions
I liked absolutely everything from my side of the family even if those could have been wrong.
Bottom line, I was raised in that family and saw no fault in them.
(I really mean it – I don’t see any fault in my family still). Every time, I and Reji would argue over something that involved our families, I would take my families side and he would take his. Frankly, both of us knew that we both have imperfect families.
But would not accept it.
Cos that was a matter of pride. I am glad now that we realize we belong to Christ. ‘But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.'
Ephesians 2:13
Belonging to Christ is not just a verbal proclamation. It’s a wilful agreement between us and God that also expects us to hold on to Christ’s teachings. Holding on is
To know – who God is. Know His purpose for our lives. Know who we are in Christ. ‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ‘ Jeremiah 29:13
Understand – how His instructions are for us to have a secure life, how His promises unfold and become real ‘For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. ‘ Deuteronomy 30:15-18
Cherish – Love God’s word, Carry His word, Flaunt His word, Value His word. ‘The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. ‘ Psalms 19:7-11
Practice – Practice what you learn, talk about it. ‘He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” ‘ Luke‘ 11:28
Remember to do this with humility.
The gate of heaven is very low, only the humble can enter it. – St. Elizabeth Seton A proud heart turns away an interested audience. By holding on to the teachings of Jesus, we will see things in the right perspective and know that the teachings are true. And that what is true will set a person free. Free from believing the lies of the world. Try it!
If you haven’t yet given Jesus a chance, today you can. He is just a heart’s talk away.
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