Membership Has Its Privileges

One of the main reasons we choose the apartment homes community we now live in was because of the setting it is located in.  When we were back in California our daughter had sent us a bunch of links to apartment homes (basically they’re a neighborhood unto their own and are very popular out here) near them.  This particular one set itself apart for us because of its tree-studded surroundings, large grass areas and beautiful flowering gardens strategically placed around the multiple building clusters.

The neighborhood actually sits at the corner of a pretty busy intersection, but the residents hardly know it because of the almost forest-like cushions blocking out the street view and noise.  Our apartment backs up to a CVS store, bank, our Vet and a quick lube business but is separated by a wide strip of pines and maples.  When we look out our living room windows all we see is green grass and beautiful trees!  Our complex also has a rather large pool and recreation area, a nice playground, a small gym filled with expensive looking equipment and a good sized dog park.

When we signed the lease we were given a special yellow identification pass, lock combination codes for the various gates and decals for our cars that allow us special parking privileges and access to all the special events and accoutrements that living here offers.  The apartment homes residence website also offers special discounts from local businesses that are only available to residents.  I guess that you could sum it all up by stating that “membership has its privileges!”

I read this morning in “Through the Bible Day by Day by F.B. Meyer” that the book of Ephesians “has been called the Epistle of ‘In-ness’, because it is so full of the preposition ‘in’.”  I get the idea from this that “membership has its privileges” is also true when it comes to being a Christian!  In verses 9-13 we find the phrases “through Christ” and “in Christ” repeated over and over again when it comes to describing the benefits of being a member of the body of Christ.

One of the changes that I realized right away when we started to look at houses in the area is that once we purchase a home that I will be responsible for all the repairs!  One of the benefits of renting is that all I have to do when something needs fixing is to go on line, fill out a service request and usually within an hour or so the problem is fixed!

As a Christian I can employ similar benefits.  I may not need to go online to fill out a service request when needs arise, but all I have to do is pray and place the need in His hands.  He should always be the first source that we call on!  The Bible makes it quite clear that as Christians we should “never worry about anything.  But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks.” (Philippians 4:6 God’s Word ©)

Like I’ve been writing about all week, I am continually amazed and a little confused at the same time when I witness some of my brothers and sisters in the Lord being anxious about negative reports and turning to the world for their answers and comfort… before they ever consider getting on their knees before the Lord!  Wouldn’t you say that they’ve got things a bit backwards here?

I’ve learned (at times the hard way) over the last six years to IMMEDIATELY seek the Lord’s guidance, for in most situations, I am craving the results of my requests to the Lord as Paul documented in the very next verse of Philippians chapter four where he explained these results saying: “Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through (hummm – another ‘through’) Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 God’s Word ©)

From the way I see it… why put yourself through the un-needed and added stress of seeking someone’s or something’s opinion which is far less as consistent, trustworthy and positive as God’s Word???  Let’s face it… As members of the body of Christ, our answers are to be found in and/or through Him… and as far as I am concerned… That Settles It!

Have I gone over the edge here… or am I right on the money?  I’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter!  Have a GREAT weekend.  Stay in tune to His Word, and keep asking yourself… “What or Who’s answers am I expecting to seek today?”