Belonging to Christ (Mark 9:41)

/ The Pastor

“For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.” [Mark 9:41]

The text for preaching on Sunday is Mark 9:38-41. And as I pray about and ponder this text I am caught by the phrase, “belong to Christ”.

And as I reflect on this phrase a few thoughts come to mind:
~ There is a big difference between Christ belonging to you and belonging to Christ.

~ Saying, “I’m a Christian” is not the same as belonging to Christ, often that simply reflects that Christ belongs to you.

~ If Christ belongs to you then you are in control of the relationship.

~If you belong to Christ, He is in control of the relationship, and you’re glad about that.

~ Belonging to Christ implies commitment and love.

~ Christ belonging to you implies manipulation.

~ If Christ belongs to you then you are less apt to share that which belongs to you.

~ If you belong to Christ you are more apt to shout this from the mountains tops and worship him.

Just a few thoughts as I prepare for the sermon on Sunday. What do you think? Does anything here resonant with you? What does it mean to you to say, “I belong to Christ”?

Here’s what it means to me:
Jesus is Lord of my life. He has saved me through his death and resurrection and therefore I owe him everything; especially including my very life. On my own I am weak and vulnerable but under Christ’s Lordship I am safe in his loving arms. But that’s not why I gather under his wings like chicks with a hen. I am drawn to Christ because of his awesome love for me; a love that I know will never fail despite the fact that I am a miserable sinner. And so therefore, I worship Christ and praise his name. I belong to Christ and gladly submit to him.

Now you’re turn…

Holy Father, thank you for coming to us in Jesus Christ. My life is yours. In Jesus name I pray, Amen

The Pastor -|—

4 thoughts on “Belonging to Christ (Mark 9:41)”

  1. I think to belong to Christ means I STRIVE to live my life as He leads me and in a Christian way. If I call myself a Christian I represent Christ in the world. A heavy and scary thought! Help me Lord.

    • This is key, “as HE leads…” but also representing Christ to the world. Both of these are scary at times. Thank you for your thoughts 🙂

  2. Beautiful thoughts today. “I belong to Christ” means that He is the initiator of our relationship. He created me with purpose. He runs to me, He holds me, He is near me at all times. “I belong to Christ” means that He is my Father, my teacher, my stronghold, my rock. It means that though I have to hold on to Him and strive for Him in every action, even in my failings He will never abandon me. I belong to Him, and He belongs to me. He is my Faithful and True that rides in on His white horse to save me from the evils of this world. What a beautiful thought!! What an incredible God we serve. Thank you for the challenge today ❤

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