As I sit looking out at the beach, having just had a full portion of hot maple cinnamon cereal, and sipping on some hot tea, I am contemplating over the words that my husband and I read before bed last night:

“All of the churches and movements I was involved in had effectively preached to me an “It”. Evangelism is an “It”. The power of God is an “It”. Christian Theology is an “It”. Faith is an “It”…I made the striking discovery that I don’t need an “It”. I have never needed an “It”. Christian “Its”, no matter how good or true, eventually wear out, run dry, and become tiresome…I don’t need an “It”, I need a “Him“! And so do you. We do not need things. We need Jesus.

Everything in Scripture-every book, every story, every teaching, every theme, every letter, every verse, all of the arrows point to Him. “You search the scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the scriptures point you to me!” John 5:39 NLT

Jesus Christ is the embodiment of all divine things. My eyes were opened to see that Jesus IS salvation; the power of God; holiness. Jesus is the living incarnation of everything that is spiritual. God’s object from first to last is His Son. It is Christ-and Christ alone-that God the Father desires for His people.

I had grossly confused spiritual growth with acquiring spiritual things. So I went about pursuing spiritual knowledge, spiritual virtues, spiritual graces, gifts and power. I later discovered that spiritual growth is nothing more than knowing Him and allowing Him to grow in us.

Upon reflection, it seems that many Christians regard salvation, evangelism, peace, power, holiness, joy, service, ministry, and doctrine as simply divine “things”, all detached from the living person of Christ and made something in and of themselves. But God never gives us spiritual things. He never gives us virtues, gifts, graces, and truths to acquire. Instead, He only gives us His Son. He gives us Christ to be all things for us.”- From Eternity to Here by Frank Viola

Those words are not meant to be glossed over or taken lightly, but rather to really soak in and cause us to look at the relationship we have with Jesus.

Do we seek after the Christian “Its” or do we see Jesus as more than enough?

Do we seek after Giver of all things or do we just seek after the gifts?

So often I pray for peace, healing, wisdom, etc. I pray for what is in the character of God, when really what I need is more of Jesus! Jesus is the full manifestation of God’s character. He is peace. He is our Healer. He is our Teacher and Wise Counselor. He is everything.

I think sometimes we complicate things. It all comes down to being in an intimate relationship with our Father. Our growth and maturity comes from having more of Him in our lives.

We are Kingdom carriers! We are called to carry with us the fragrance of Christ.

People notice that fragrance…people can see the light that emanates from us…and the world is hungry for it! They are desperate for it…

When people look at me, talk to me, etc. I want them to not see Jessica…but to see Jesus. I have nothing to offer the world but He has everything.

After talking this morning with Gerrid and Joy (my sweet momma in-law :) I felt compelled to share our collaborative thoughts  with you…

What the world needs is Jesus…and so do I!

Praying for more of Him and less of me,