Bridle or Bridal?

By Edd Sterchi

Bridle \brid-l\: the  headgear with  which  a  horse is governed and  which carries a bit and reins (from Webster’s Eleventh Collegiate Dictionary)

     Many Christians want to control Christ in their life like they would a horse– speeding up here, slowing down there, turning on a whim.  They want to get on and get  off  (i.e. have Christ in their life) when they want.  They worship Him when they want, do His will when they feel like it, allow Him into  their  life  when  nothing  better  is  going on.    They  only want  Christ around when there is a perceived need in their life, but otherwise, He is putout to pasture.  It is sad, but to people like that Christ is no more than a domesticated  animal.    Their  lives  eventually  become  more  and  more miserable and worldly.

Bridal \brid-l\: a marriage festival or ceremony (from Webster’s Eleventh Collegiate Dictionary)

     Some Christians realize that they are subject to Christ as a bride is to her husband (Eph. 5:22-23).  Thus, they understand that Christ will lovingly lead them – and they are willing to go with Him at all times.  They worship when and how Christ wants, they do His will always, they allow Him into every area of their lives all the time.  Their life is one of celebration and joy,of fulfillment and spiritual beauty – like the perfect wedding!

     So Christian, is your relationship with Christ bridle or bridal?

- Edd Sterchi preaches for the Broadway Church of Christ in Campbellsville, KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.broadwaychurchofchrist.net/