Secure Attachment

                My son loves to play with and explore his world (sometimes even to a fault), but he never likes to be alone. As long as I am in the room, he will laugh and play and try to get to places he has never been before (such as under the sofa), but as soon as I leave, he gets very upset. I was afraid for a while that this was a bad thing, but researchers say that babies who are securely attached to their caregiver feel free to explore when the caregiver is present and are visibly upset when the caregiver leaves. As it turns out, this is part of Gods beautiful design for parents.

                At the very end of Matthew, Jesus tells us “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.“ This passage is a very familiar one for most followers of Christ because it sums up what Jesus has told us to do: to make disciples. It brought to mind today another part of Scripture in which God was telling Joshua to take back the land promised to God’s people. God told Joshua at least three different times, “Be strong and courageous for the Lord your God is with you.”

                Although most Christ followers know that Jesus said, “Go and m This is one reason I thing Jesus said, “And remember, I am with you always.” When God was on Joshua’s side, God parted a river for Israel to cross, He conquered everyone who opposed them, and He provided for His people. In our culture, we do not often face the threat of losing our life (like Joshua did) if we follow God’s commands, but we still need courage to overcome the obstacles we do face. We face the threat of embarrassment, shame, loneliness, exclusion, ect, but Jesus promises to be on our side through all of these things. How would I follow this command of Jesus if I remembered that He was on my side?

ake disciples,” it is much easier to pretend He was not too serious about our need to follow this command. It is hard to not only share the Gospel but also teach another person how to follow Christ. One of the biggest struggles I have with this command is the courage to follow through. Relationships that go beyond surface level involve opening yourself to hurt and sometime I do not have the courage to open myself to others in that way.

                God, please help me to remember that You support my following Your commands. Please help me to be strong and courageous as I follow You. You have said You have all authority so help me to trust Your authority in my life and in my relationships. Amen.