Have you ever called up a friend to come have dinner and never spend time with them again? If so, did that make you instantly friends for life? Did that create a relationship built on trust that allowed you the freedom to share your fears and pains?

Similarly, communion is not an act that changes our thoughts, beliefs, or convictions if it is an isolated experience. Communion is a relationship. Relationships are lived out over a lifetime. Lets read 2 Peter 1:3-4 to get a better picture of the communion that God calls us to.

3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 2 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV)

The power of Christ is divine by nature, distinctively godly, all knowing, and calls each of us to partake in glory. His glory promises to free us from the chains of sin and death. So what does that look like? Each of us will have unique answers to that question, but the result is the same. We will be like Christ.

The problem with being more like Christ is that it doesn’t just happen. We are not magically transformed into spiritual beings that love perfectly, serve unconditionally, or always speak the truth in love. It takes time. This brings us to the question that each of us needs to address.

How can we more fully embody our spiritual transformation?

Lets take a look at three things that each of us can do to cultivate an environment that will usher in the promises of God through Christ. These three things are simple but life transforming – they are time in the word, prayer, and being alone with God.

TIME IN THE WORD

Time in the Word is direct conversation with the author of history, humanity, and all that exists. It is a gift allowing us into the mind of God. Many of us are intimidated about spending time in the word, but the truth is that God’s Spirit will teach, guide, and enlighten our reading of the word.

Over the next month I would like to challenge us to read through Proverbs together. Each day take a chapter and read through the words of wisdom given to us by our God. On day one of the month read chapter one, day two read chapter two, and so on.

PRAYER

Prayer gives us direct access to God. As we pray we can be confident that each thought, feeling, concern, question, and longing is heard by God. No matter how small or big the prayer, take it to God.

As you read through Proverbs pray that God brings scripture to life, and that he bring your attention to at least one truth found in the chapter. Then pray that God’s truth will become your reality.

BEING ALONE WITH GOD

There is something divine about believing we can be alone with God. As we take time to read God’s Word and Pray we need to consciously plan time to be alone with him. Find a time and a place that allows you to be uninterrupted for as long as it takes.

Time in the word, prayer, and being alone with God is what communion is all about. Developing this type of relationship with God will bring more meaning to every life experience. It will help us to embody the divine nature of God.