From The Crucible (by Pastor Linda Pugsley)

“You are members of God’s very own family, citizens of God’s country, and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.” (Ephesians 2:19)

People have frequently told me that their relationship with God is “private”. They live their lives, hiding in their little religious closets, encumbered by their own opinions of God and their interpretations of what God means to them.

How awful to consider God “private”. Our relationship with God certainly is personal, but was never intended to be private. We need to be lively stones, vibrantly involved with others in God’s family. In addition to personal and intimate time alone with God, we need to be studying His word together, worshipping Him together, praying together, and fellowshipping together. We should be bursting at the seams with spiritual growth together…not in isolation.

I urge you; don’t hide your gifts, talents, love and knowledge of God in your “private” relationship with Him. Rather, grow in your personal relationship with Christ Jesus, that you might live it and give it freely to others. Joyfully tell others of how good God is, what He has done in your life, how He has changed you for the better.

Go to your pastor and tell him or her what you are willing to do for your fellow believers in your church family and those in the community. Go to your church prayer meetings, seek out how to be involved on your church committees and planning boards, seek God for unique ways to serve those around you. Come out of your “private” relationship into His marvelous light of open service for the body of Christ and His kingdom.

Do you love your church and serve the people faithfully, or do you just attend a service or two? Don’t just labor about church…love it. Endure the fire…it’s producing pure gold!

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