D.T.R. – Define the Relationship

D.T.R. – Define the Relationship. 1 Timothy 1.12-17

Google it. Define the Relationship. Just googling D.T.R., the first entry is Define the Relationship. It used to be called The Talk - the sometimes pleasant, sometimes horribly unpleasant time when a couple talks about the substance of their (romantic) relationship and where it is heading. It is a time to talk about the WHAT IS, and how each feels about it.

This morning as I have been looking at the next several verses, Paul does just that—he Defines The Relationship (his) with God. I think it might be valuable for you and me to do the same thing. Perhaps it will serve as an assessment or spiritual exam or diagnostic even. In order to be on the same page, I devised several statements of feelings, sort of a check-the-box kind of thing. So why don’t you take a minute and think about the choice that most accurately fits you?

Here, at the end of October, 2013, my Relationship with God would be defined as:

___ spiritual – I feel connected to God through various means—crystals, yoga, Kabbalah, Eastern meditation and sometimes even church

___ curious – I am drawn to wanting to know God, but am more put off by organized religion, so I basically stay away. I am stymied. Yet, I can’t help but wonder if I will someday look back and think, I should have searched out what knowing God for myself would have looked like.

___ Christian, but lifeless - I became a Christian—I chose to follow Jesus—but haven’t thought too much about it, or done too much with him for a while. Jesus is kind of on the shelf.

___ Christian, but static – I definitely believe in Jesus, but am kinda bored with my relationship. No real downs, but no ups either … just not sure I’m growing.

___ Christian, and thriving – Yup, I have a daily relationship with God because of Jesus Christ, and find serving him an incredible adventure. He completes me.

Paul Defines the Relationship with God, which we will consider from the next few verses: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+1.12-17&v...

As for me, this song by one of my favorite bands, sums it up pretty well. It is called Creed by Third Day:

Please watch, listen - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3i-_VWxOAc

I believe in God the Father,

Almighty Maker of heaven and Maker of earth,

And in Jesus Christ

His only begotten son our Lord.

He was conceived by the Holy Spirt,

born of the virgin Mary.

Suffered under Pontius Pilot

where he was crucified dead and buried.


[Chorus:]

And I believe what I believe in

is what makes me what I am.

And I did not make it,

no it is making me

It is the very truth of God

and not the invention of any man.



I believe that He who suffered

was crucified, buried and dead.

He descended into hell

and on the third day He rose again.

He ascended into heaven

where He sits at God's mighty right hand.

I believe that He's returning to judge

the quick and the dead of the sons of men.



I believe it, I believe it. I believe it.

I believe it, I believe it. I believe it.



I believe in God the Father,

Almighty Maker of Heaven and Maker of earth

And in Jesus Christ His

only begotten Son our Lord.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

one Holy Church

The communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sin

I believe in the resurrection

I believe in a life that never ends.

Amen.

I believe what I believe in is what makes me what I am.

You?

Christine Todd DiGiacomo

PastorWoman.com

Bible Gateway passage: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 - New Living Translation www.biblegateway.com Paul’s Gratitude for God’s Mercy - I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do hi...