Scripture says that God “conforms us to the image of His Son, so that Jesus would be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29). Think about the implications of this incredible statement. Considered to be His brothers and sisters? Really? We like to describe our faith as a relationship rather than a religion. So we talk about having a personal relationship with Jesus (sometimes kind of flippantly). How often do we stop to think about what that really means?

     Well, I wholeheartedly agree with the concept of personal relationship with Christ, but I’d like to add something. What Jesus has going with us is not merely relationship: it’s RELATIONSHIP—a powerful, intimate, living relationship in which we are welcomed to share in the very life of God Himself. But this raises a question: given the magnitude of the glory set before us, why would God create us like He did? Why this flesh with its countless problems?