For the past few months, we've been talking on Sunday mornings about what it means for someone who truly follows Jesus to dedicate themselves to a Christian Philosophy of Relationship (CPR). It's a complex topic, so we're using these blog posts to help us remember the key points of CPR and the Bible verses that talk about it.
Remember, CPR is something that you, as a Christian, commit to before God, just the two of you. It is not something you decide to do with another person (as in, "Hey, let's agree to a Christian Philosophy of Relationship with each other"). If you do that, it will ruin the spirit of CPR. What makes it so amazing is that you decide before God that you are going to interact with another person according to CPR whether they reciprocate or not. That concept is at the heart of what Scripture teaches about relationships.
Matthew 7:12 puts the heart of CPR into a few powerful words: "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." You must agree before God that you are going to do this, even if the person you are doing good to (the recipient of your CPR) does not reciprocate.
As to the first principle of CPR, it is absolutely necessary that you strive for full satisfaction, identification, and safety in Christ. If you don't have this, or if you are not at least striving for this, the rest of CPR will be mostly impossible for you. All the other principles are built on this one.
As a disciple, you must constantly go to Christ to eat your spiritual food, to be filled with his love and goodness, to experience his presence and all the joy he gives his people, to enjoy the stability and peace that he brings to his people as they come to him. Only in Christ, the Vine who supplies you (one of the branches) with all you need, will you find the resources necessary to engage in CPR on a consistent basis.
So, interestingly, if you want good relationships with other people, don't start with other people. Start with Christ. Feast on him, and we will give you the wisdom and ability to connect with others in ways that honor him and keep you stable (mentally, emotionally, spiritually, even physically).
Here is a list of key passages from Scripture that teach CPR #1 in clear and direct ways. Meditate on these and in the process grow in your ability to feast on Christ, satisfying your every need in him. Then, identify yourself wholly as his follower, and find your safety in him alone.
Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Colossians 2:10 And you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.
Philippians 3:8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
John 10:28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
Matthew 11:28-29 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.
Psalm 62:5-6 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
Psalm 73:25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
Romans 8:35, 37-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? ... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.