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Maintaining A Personal Relationship with God

by Brett Fuller on August 19, 2019

Religion is the regular practice and maintenance of our personal relationship with God. James 1:27 says the litmus test of genuine religion is, "...to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." This verse helps us understand that the most important foci of our reverent practice is: 

  1. An emphasis on helping the most needy
  2. A concentration on our personal spiritual development

Unwisely, some stress the importance of one over the other. The extreme of the former is a compassionate social activism which neglects one's spiritual accountability. Of the latter; a monastic seclusion which separates the "sanctified" from the world's pain. A Sacrificial love of humanity that ignores personal holiness helps others but provides no eternal reciprocal benefit. Personal consecration that overlooks service to humanity is myopic and self-absorbed. 

Visiting widows and orphans while increasing personal sanctification allows the dual practitioner to effectively help humanity without torpedoing their own personal progress. The benefit derived: a life lived right and lived well...

About the Author
Brett Fuller

Brett Fuller is the presiding Bishop of Every Nation’s family of churches in the metropolitan Washington DC area, that fall under the umbrella of the Grace Covenant Church’s purview. He also serves as Chaplain of the Washington Commanders. From 2005 to 2014 he served as Chaplain for the National Association of Basketball Coaches. In 2000, he initiated a bill in Congress to build a memorial honoring the African American Slaves who helped build America. Though the bill was never passed, he still hopes to complete the mission. Also, from 2007-2009 he served on President George Bush's Advisory Board for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Pastor Brett has written two devotionals: “Live Well”, and “Relate Well” and recently published two books: Dreaming in Black and White and High Ceilings. He and his lovely wife of 36 years, Cynthia, frequently conduct marriage and family seminars. Brett also coordinates relational and professional development seminars, helping leaders in every walk of life to become better leaders. He and his bride reside in Chantilly, VA, have parented 7 children and have been blessed with 2 wonderful daughter in-laws. And most recently, they have welcomed their first grandchild; Ava Lily.

 

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