Who is Jesus - to you?

I walk most mornings. Usually about the length of a sermon or other Bible teaching - some are much longer than others! This morning I listened to a podcast by Chip Ingram with Living On The Edge. I don't remember the sermon except that it was a teaching on the gospel of John. That gospel is a testimony of who Jesus is. John states his purpose in John John 20:30-31.

The question I do remember in the sermon is "Who is Jesus to you?" I tried to honestly answer this question in my head as I was walking:

Saviour, Master, Lord, Brother, Friend, Guide, Teacher, Authority, Light, Accountability partner -

Wait, what? Accountability partner?

I had never thought of Jesus being my accountability partner. But upon reflection of this stunning revelation I discovered that He tries to be my accountability partner!!! ("Tries" because I'm not very good at listening.)

When I go for another snack - which I don't need or even have room for! - I hear this in my head - "You don't need that. You'll regret eating it. You don't even really want it."

Or when I'm sitting doing absolutely nothing, sort of watching some dumb TV show while playing some stupid mind-numbing game on my phone, I sense that I should be or could be studying, writing, or putting together a Bible Study, or sewing masks, or any number of other things that are helpful right now.

Accountability partner. Jesus can hold me accountable when I let Him. I have to pay attention just like with any accountability partner. I have to listen and act accordingly.

For the other side of the partnership, because Jesus is perfect, I just need to praise Him, tell Him that He deserves all honor and glory and majesty, that He is perfect and His plans are perfect, that He is worthy of my obedience. And to thank Him for calling me into accountability.

I sure need a lot of practice listening to Him. I often ignore those nudges. I hope He doesn't get tired of reminding me. I pray I get better at listening and heeding His admonitions!!

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