The Truth Process, Session v, Post 8

Personal Relationship

This past week we discussed “unio mystica” – the mystical union of God and man. Scripture is very clear that both Christ and the Holy Spirit are in the believer. (John 14:16-20, Colossians 1:27, Galatians 2:20, 1 Corinthians 3:16). This is rightly referred to as a mystery because it is beyond our ability to comprehend that the God of the universe has come to make His dwelling both with us and in us. I will admit that I have no idea how this could be. I do know that this reality tells us something about the character and nature of God – He desires relationship.
During our discussion, I shared these statements with you:
Oneness with God represents the heart of the Christian Gospel…
Christianity is not primarily a moral, philosophical, or religious system, but rather a deep, intimate, and living relationship with a personal Creator.
This relationship represents the “Ultimate Oneness” and the “Supreme Significance”.
It occurred to me as I prepared the lesson that I am at times guilty of viewing Christianity (my Christianity) more as a “moral, philosophical, or religious system” than as a relationship with a personal Creator. Perhaps you have experienced this as well.
I find that when my prayer time is irregular and study of His word is lacking, I tend to lose the awareness of the relationship. While I may continue to attempt to follow the moral requirements of Christianity, I tend to do so more out of a sense of duty rather than out of love for my Father. This is not what God desires. He offers us a deep, intimate, personal relationship and nothing has greater value than knowing and understanding God.

but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:24)
The approaching Christmas holiday is a celebration of Emmanuel – “God with us”. Perhaps the other 364 days of each year should be a celebration of the reality that Christ and the Holy Spirit are not only with us, but in us. As I think about this, it seems to me that the celebration of “God with us” (Christmas) is very intentional, is it not? The celebration doesn’t just happen - it takes time, effort, and attention.
I realize now that I must be far more intentional about honoring and nurturing the divine relationship that God has created.
May it be so…
In Christ,
John