Our culture is filled with churches that are trying to be or do the work of God apart from “covenant relationship” with God. As an increasing number of persons in our national culture seek the relationship of marriage without commitment or covenant, a similar situation has developed in many churches.
What does it mean to be a covenant person? Is it what you believe? Is it your doctrinal statement? Are we covenant people because of the way we worship?
How does one come to be a covenant person? By accepting a system of teaching? By accepting or accomplishing a prescribed activity checklist?
How can one tell who is a covenant person? At its heart, this is the question of church. What is the church? What is the result of covenant relationship with God?
It is not sinlessness; it is not perfection. It is not adherence to doctrine or an order of worship. It is the restoration of image. It is the mind of Christ within us. It shows up as we focus on others more than self, it shows us as we focus on people more than tasks, it shows up in leadership that develops and leads a cause or movement rather than an organization.
The DNA of a covenant person (disciple, follower of Jesus) is seen in response to the question, Do you love God? Do you love your neighbor? If we are restored to God-image, might it show up in our commitment to bless others more than in a commitment to evangelize others? Is the goal a version of salvation that makes folks like us, or is the goal restoration of covenant relationship with God?
The latter has tremendous power to really change (transform!) lives!