The Door of Commonality

There can be no closeness in a relationship if there is no commonality. Commonality means to share features or characteristics. If I am going to have a close relationship with Jesus, I must be interested in the things that interest Jesus and enter into them so that we can experience them together.

Asking ourselves some questions can help us to evaluate:

• What things is Jesus interested in?
• Am I interested in the things of Jesus?
• Is Jesus interested in my things?
• What can I share with Jesus in what I do and/or experience?

Experiencing life with Jesus means changing our perspective to believe and live every moment as holy in his presence. Brother Lawrence, a lay brother in a Carmelite monastery, is famous for his commitment to doing all the little things for God. This transforms ordinary life into sacred life and is the foundation for a deeper and more mature relationship with Jesus.

If I am seeking to live every experience in common with Jesus, then as the God of order he may desire order, cleanliness, and neatness in my home. Perhaps I should make my bed with Jesus. The principle of commonality might need to be applied to my leisure time. Can I share the things I participate in with Jesus? If not, our fellowship will be broken. Will he be comfortable with the attitudes, actions, motives, and methods I use to serve him? If not, he cannot bless my work for him.

Colossians 3:17 (NLT) exhorts us, “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative name of the Lord Jesus.” Commonality boils down to, “Can I share this with Jesus, and would he be able to share this with me?” It is a powerful way to live in fellowship and remain in the same room with him.

Reflection

Make a list of the activities you have planned for the next few days. Prayerfully go back over the list asking the four questions above. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you if there are changes you need to make.