Our Spirituality Should Start With Jesus

1 Peter 1:17-19

17 Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

Our spirituality ought to be based on our relationship with Jesus.  

Can I just ask you a question?  When your spouse looks at you, does she/he see Jesus?  Should they?  Is that a bizarre idea?  

Now, maybe you would say, "Why on earth would they see me as Jesus?"

Well, doesn't scripture tell us one of our objectives, as Christians, is to become more like Jesus?  Aren't we part of God's family?  When folks look at us... Hey!  They ought to see a family resemblance!

I keep a hand-written list of questions in my bible which help keep me in check.  I don't remember where I got them.  They're are written on the back of an envelope.  I have read over this list hundreds of times.  It goes a little something like this...

1.  Is my mate closer to God or more distant from Him BECAUSE OF ME?
2.  Can my family see that doing God's Will is the most important priority IN MY LIFE?
3.  Do the members of my family take a few minutes each day to read God's Word?
4.  Do all the family members pray together at least once per day?
5.  Is our family ministering to others who are needy, lonely, and struggling, or are we self-sufficient and isolated from those whom Christ came to serve?
6.  Does our family talk to one another in loving tones as though we appreciate and value each other?

Now, notice that Peter stresses, that as Christians YOU must live YOUR lives in a certain way.  He didn't soften it up by saying WE must live OUR lives this way.  He says YOU must do it.  I suspect he did that because your spirituality has got to start with YOU.  

Hey, can I just tell ya something?  It's about YOU and Jesus.  The spirituality in your home has got to start with YOU.  

This entry is taken from the sermon:  "Blinders, Blinkers, & Winkers".  Click the link to listen to the entire sermon.  This is the first sermon in a series by the same name.  The entire series is available here:  

BLINDERS, BLINKERS, & WINKERS SERMON SERIES