Out of all of the various blessings of being a follower of Jesus, living in community has to be close to the top of the list. It is amazing that God not only forgives us and redeems us, but He also sets us in a family. As part of that family, we find friendship, belonging and purpose.
The foundation of the family of God is found in our fellowship with Christ and that relationship finds its roots in the covenant God has made with His creation. Throughout history, God has repeatedly stated His purpose to save and reunite us with Him. God has always shown himself to be faithful to His covenant, giving us great confidence in Him and His commitment to us. Our God is a covenant-keeping God!
The question that this brings up in my mind is, “Are we covenant-keeping people?” The way we live our lives should be an accurate reflection of our Father. When we live as covenant keepers, we mirror to the world how faithful, true and steadfast the Father is.
Not only is covenant-keeping good for God’s image. It is necessary so that the community, (the local church, in particular), can become relationally healthy. We must see the connection our life has with each other member of the body of Christ and the impact our words and actions carry with them.
• Are we devoted to the faith?
• Are we loyal to one another?
• Do we stand by our promises?
• Do we live by the standards and creed of our community of faith?
No breach of covenant is limited in its effect to the violator alone. Every sin I commit, every lapse in judgment, every broken promise impacts not only me, but my entire community as well. Romans 14:7 states “For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone.” A healthy church is filled with covenant-keepers whose concern is for the good of the whole above the good of themselves.
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:13-14)
- Chris Brannon
