Relationships are funny things. I suppose if you stopped and thought about it long enough, the fact that any two human beings can ever make any friendship or relationship work really does seem a bit absurd. I mean, sometimes I think it's downright crazy. Putting two sinful people together and saying, "Go, be a reflection of Christ." Hm. Easier said than done.
What I've really been reminded of lately, though, is ultimately how I see Christ through my relationship with Nick. On numerous occasions the Lord has brought to mind things where he just gently says, "Okay - see this? That's a reflection of me, that's meant to be a reminder of me, a reminder of what I feel for you." I finally just had to make a list because I had way too many thoughts floating around in my head and I didn't want them to escape. My relationship with Nick has been so sweet and I'm ever so grateful for him, for a variety of reasons, but God continually pulls back the curtain, reminding me of what it could like if we stop pursuing Him, if we get caught up in our own wants and needs.
I've been reminded that the other person will never full satisfy me and meet all of my expectations. And when he doesn't, Christ will.
I've been reminded that if our hope is in the other person a vast majority of the time and he doesn't fulfill that hope, Christ will.
I've been reminded that when we make an idol out of the other person or worship how he makes us feel, we'll wake up one day and realize he can never save me. Christ does.
I've been reminded that if we do not first have a life story, one that is intertwined with Christ, then when our love story happens, we will have no identity apart from that person. Christ must be our identity.
I've been reminded that while our longings and desires can be true and pure, if they are not kept in check, we'll be left with nothing but lust and lies, deceived by our own wants. Those longings can neither be revered nor condemned, but must be thought about rightly in reference to Christ. He is to be our ultimate longing.
I've been reminded that if our relationship does not ultimately reflect Christ and his church, then it's time to reevaluate and set aright that which is wrong. The world is watching and waiting for us to make a wrong move - let's not give them a reason to find fault. Christ is the mirror we must reflect.
I've been reminded that if a man - a mere human - can feel this way about me, then doesn't Christ feel that way even more so? And if somebody longs to lavish their love on me, then doesn't Christ wish to do even more?
I've been reminded that if a man declares to me that I am beautiful or wanted, should I not take him at his word? And if God declares the same, should I not believe him even more so? We insult both and foster unbelief when we are quick to brush off that which is spoken. If he says it's true, what further proof or evidence do I need?
I've been reminded that God calls us to be like him, in whatever medium we find ourselves. It is not wrong to want or need another human being, to enjoy him, to love him, to be grateful. God gives us those desires and they are good. But they are not the bottom line. Christ is.
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.
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