Belonging to Christ

Philippians 2:1-2, "Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose." (NLT)

The words "belonging to Christ" grabbed my attention this morning as I was reading from the Bible. Isn't it a blessing to be included in that category of people? We often talk about civic clubs with which we are connected. There are people who are very proud to be counted as members of "fan clubs" of certain actors or actresses. But "belonging to Christ" carries with it many perks that the other afore mentioned clubs can not bring.

Paul refers to the "comfort of His love." Paul talks about the fellowship that the Spirit provides for the family of God.  Paul also reminds us that "belonging to Christ" also brings a tenderness and deep sense of compassion into our hearts. I am truly thankful that I am not embarrassed to declare my allegiance to Christ. A line from a song says, "He ain't never done me nothing but good." Once more today I can declare that God is a good God and that I am very thankful to be identified as a child of God.

"Belonging to Christ" opens the door for spiritual unity, spiritual agreement and spiritual cooperation within the Body of Christ. We can come together for the common cause and goal of worshiping and exalting Jesus Christ. We can come together for the common cause and purpose of promoting and sharing the Good News of the Gospel. We can come together with a common desire and call to love one another and encourage one another as we travel the road called life. We can also unite our gifts, talents, abilities and knowledge so that many "good and wholesome" things are accomplished for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

Let me say it one more time, "I am thankful that I belong to God." I am honored to carry His name in my life and I am blessed to be associated with Him and His family business (reaching the lost and hurting in our world).