July 1, 2014: Volume 3, Number 17
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MORE WITH
30 60 100 MINISTRIES |
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|  "Paper or plastic?"
The question from the supermarket cashier is familiar.
But what about asking the same question when it comes to your relationship with Christ?
In this issue of The Cultivator, we share the first in a series of two features that point out the dangers of a shallow relationship with Jesus -- particularly how Paper Is Superficial.
 The great news about paper is that you can peel away its layers and go deeper. Let us know how this message encourages you to do so when you send us an email.. And always keep growing!
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| Spiritually Healthy Leader� workshop series equips you to be spiritually fit, manage conflict, maintain healthy relationships, set a healthy pace, overcome leadership challenges, and finish well.
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Learn how to successfully clear the hurdles you may face in your leadership role as you influence others and are influenced by your culture. Register today. |
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 Feature: PAPER OR PLASTIC, PART 1
PART 8: DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE FIGHT? | First in a two-part series about building an authentic relationship with Christ.
"Paper or plastic?"
You have heard that question over and over from the supermarket cashier when she asks you to choose bags for your groceries.
Yet you can ask the same question of your relationship with Jesus Christ. Is yours paper ... or plastic? Let's look at paper first.
Paper Is Useful and Practical
Paper is a mainstay in offices, business, medicine, technology, households, construction, and recreation. More than 5,000 products are made from paper in a process that converts wood pulp into cellulose, then adds oils and resins. The resulting material is useful, practical, and versatile.
Is Your Relationship With Christ Like Paper?
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Image: Pyco Mall
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Yet by some, paper is viewed as cheap, insubstantial, and can tear easily - giving birth to expressions like "that's not worth the paper it's printed on."
Or consider the expression "paper tiger," which represents an outward show of strength with little or no resilience beneath the surface. The term entered the mainstream in a 1956 interview with China's communist founder Mao Tse-Tung. "In appearance, [American expansionism] is very powerful," he said. "But it is a paper tiger. It is unable to withstand the wind and the rain ... in reality it is nothing to be afraid of."
On a spiritual level your relationship with Jesus may be like a paper tiger, lacking substance and staying power.
While the decision to become a Christ-follower is one step in your relationship with Him, the process of becoming Christ-like is an altogether different experience. If you have made a profession of faith in Christ, where are you in the process of becoming more Christ-like and growing deeper in your relationship with Him?
If yours is a paper connection, then it may be attractive on the outside (perhaps even glossy) ... yet superficial. It is the kind of relationship that can "paper over" the truth, covering up or concealing your worries, habits, and fears.
When tested, a paper tiger relationship with Jesus tears and rips. That is, you rarely (if ever) experience transformation ... in times of testing you may fall apart, or fears and struggles may surface... you may even turn your back on Him.
It is a shallow relationship with Jesus, one unable to withstand the winds and the storms of life.
Build a Relationship that Goes Deep
In contrast, a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ cultivates ongoing life change, allowing Him access to areas of your life beneath the surface - areas that may hurt or reveal shame or carry guilt or expose wounds. You grow closer to Christ over time, one step at a time, tearing away one layer at a time.
There, beneath the surface, is where Christ works rich transformation.
It is then that your relationship with Him is no longer shallow, superficial, or easily torn or shaken. Rather, it is "like a living stone, being built into a spiritual house" (1 Peter 2:4).
And that's a house that will stand.
Paper or plastic? Neither.
Growth Point
Build a relationship with Christ that has depth, rather than mere superficiality.
Scripture
He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. (Luke 6:48, NIV) Prayer Points - What are indicators that your relationship with Christ may be superficial?
- Describe a person you know who has a deep relationship with Jesus Christ and how you have seen him face life's storms.
- Ask God to show you one step to take in order to give Jesus access to your life's hidden areas.
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| What People Are Saying ... |
 "Thanks for the inspiration! This fall I will lead a monthly prayer meeting in our church and will definitely use the Scripture passages referenced in your article when we pray.
You are so right that God's Word us what to pray for when we pray. Your article reminded me of the positive way to lift people up in prayer and NOT cause discord!"
Kathy S., Los Gatos, CA
Hear more testimonies from Christians in remote areas served by 30 60 100 MINISTRIES staff here.
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