How Are You Related to Christ?
Consider the following points. To a person, Christ is:
1. A Stranger
Most of the people on earth do not know about Christ. People have no interest in those they don't know, nor do they have a desire to learn about them. There is also no connection or relationship with those they don't know. Since these individuals are not interested in the coming of Christ, they also remain unprepared for it.
2. A Familiar Face
Approximately 90% of Christians only have a superficial knowledge of Christ. They know just enough to claim that they believe in Him. When asked to speak about Christ, they find themselves with nothing to say and become anxious or nervous. They do not genuinely care when someone discusses Christ. One might then question why they attend church at all. It seems that their attendance is more for the purpose of meeting friends, singing songs, following tradition, or because others go there. Consequently, they are unaware of what Christ does, and even if they are aware, they lack interest. To them, Christ is a familiar figure. They are not genuinely interested in Christ's return, so they do not wish to hear about it. These individuals will not be part of the gathering or the rapture; instead, they will be left behind during the Great Tribulation.
3. A Friend
People can develop close relationships with one another, and being close often occurs when individuals frequently interact. One becomes familiar with a great deal about the person they are close to. However, even when someone who is close returns from a journey, one does not eagerly await their return. It's only upon meeting them that you greet and speak with them. You cannot claim ownership over someone with whom you are close.
Similarly, among some Christians, there are those who know Jesus in an affectionate way. Particularly, those who attend church services, read the Bible, participate in religious activities, or preach sermons, they possess a substantial understanding of Jesus. Despite this, these individuals do not claim ownership over Jesus. Their knowledge of Him is a result of duty or personal interest.
They can discuss Jesus, but they may not be able to say anything that Jesus would like because they're not actually related to Him. They can only talk about what they themselves enjoy. These people don't care about the coming of Jesus, so there's neither preparation nor excitement for the event.
4. More Than Friend
Those who are infatuated with someone are interested in each other and know a lot about one another. They want to spend a lot of time with their loved ones and would go far out of their way just to meet them. They are willing to spend money, even a lot, for the sake of meeting their beloved. No matter how much they spend, they feel it's worth it and are satisfied. However, they cannot claim that their beloved belongs solely to them. For that reason, if the person decides to go with someone else, they can be taken by someone else.
Among Christians, there are a few who love Jesus as one might love someone romantically. They are very close to Jesus and want to talk about Him constantly. They are willing to endure hardship or even spend money for the sake of Jesus. However, they still cannot claim that Jesus belongs solely to them. Because of this, those people will not be a part of the rapture.
5. A Fiancé
Those who are engaged may not be married yet, but they have agreed to get married; therefore, it is possible for one person to belong exclusively to another. A person who is engaged is worried about being misunderstood by their future spouse; thus, they take great care in their appearance, the way they speak, and eagerly anticipate meeting their future partner.
Similarly, among Christians, there are some who are engaged to Christ. These people show interest in Christ as their future spouse, look forward to His coming, and prepare themselves beforehand. When they meet with Christ, they strive not to be unchaste or impure but rather remain pure by keeping the Word of God regarding holiness. Regarding being engaged to Christ, Paul wrote: "I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:2 NKJV).
Paul says that he has engaged the Corinthian believers to Christ, meaning the believers there are not yet married to Christ. Paul was a matchmaker. A matchmaker is someone who is concerned about a young woman's lack of integrity and sincerity. He cares for his friend's sake. Therefore, Paul is said to be watching over the Corinthian believers with concern that they might fall away from their faith. Similarly, today's spiritual fathers watch over their spiritual children because they have engaged them to Christ, and thus desire them to remain pure, so that there would be no need to discuss any improper matters.
An engaged bride anticipates the day she will be united with her future husband. She worries that he might misjudge her actions and deeds, so she is careful about her words and actions, as well as the friends she keeps close. She also counts down the days until the time when her future husband will arrive. Likewise, among Christians, those who have already committed themselves to Christ are waiting for His coming.
That being the case, have you been engaged or committed yourself to Christ? Although one who has committed herself is not yet married, she is considered as belonging exclusively to the bridegroom and thus does not associate with other young men. If you love your future husband, living in this way is not at all difficult.
Some engaged brides do not love or like their future spouse; they agreed to be engaged only because of circumstances. As a result, they do not anticipate meeting their future husbands and are not careful about their behavior when they meet him. Instead, they continue living as they did before. Similarly, those who have made a commitment to Christ, if they do not love Christ, live just like before without any change in their lifestyle, do not practice holiness, and enjoy worldly things, associating with worldly people and living life according to their desires. It is very important not to be such a person.
6. The Wedded One
Those who are engaged own each other on their wedding day. Likewise, those who have been engaged to Christ, after being raptured to heaven, will be wed to Him in heaven. From that time forward, they will no longer commit sin, but live according to the will of Christ, the husband, and will live together happily ever after.
Reflection
So, how are you related to Christ? Are you merely familiar with Him or just friends with Him?
Or perhaps you admire Christ but haven't fully committed to Him yet? Take action now and commit yourself to Christ. Agree in your heart to become His bride. If you don't, you may not be part of the rapture when Christ comes to gather His bride. Since Christ is returning for His bride, I recommend that you accept Him by inviting Him into your heart through prayer.
