Everyday Relationships

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Hebrews 13:8 NKJV

We were discussing relationships today and how they change and grow or diminish with the passage of time and the dedication of those in the relationship.  For instance, couples that have been married for a long time may start to settle in, get comfortable, and even take one another for granted. They go for years without adding anything new to the relationship or taking the time to really listen to what the other one may want or has to say. To keep a healthy relationship, each must offer their whole self and daily be intentional about contributing to the life and health of it.

Sadly, it happens in our Christian walk, too. We may get settled in, get comfortable, and then begin to take for granted all the blessings and benefits of walking with the Lord. We think God will just know we love Him after this much time has gone by and we don't need to tell Him. It doesn't work like that!

Jesus gave everything He had in order for us to have a right relationship with God. Psalm 68:19 tells us God daily loads us with benefits. He brings something to our relationship every day. He stands ready to lead and guide us, to walk with us, and to guard our hearts EVERY day. To speak words of wisdom, light, life, and love to our hearts daily. So, how IS our relationship with the Lord? If it's cooled off or less warm and passionate, I would say let's check ourselves. God hasn't moved from us. Jesus' love is the same yesterday, today, and forever... He brings it to us every day. What are we bringing to Him on a daily basis?

Prayer:
          
Father,
          Awaken our hearts to hear Yours. Open our ears to hear what You would say to us. Open our eyes to see Your fingerprints on everything in our lives. Oh, that we would daily worship You in Spirit and in Truth with all that we are for all that You are. Guide us, Holy Spirit. Help us, O Lord. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Getting Along

May the Master of Peace himself give you the gift of getting along with each other at all times, in all ways. May the Master be truly among you!

2nd Thessalonians 3:16 The Message

There’s a prayer that has made numerous trips around the Internet that goes something like this - Dear Lord, So far today, I’ve done all right. I haven’t gossiped about anyone, haven’t lost my temper with anyone, haven’t been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or over-indulgent. And I’m very thankful for that. But, in a few minutes, God, I’m going to get out of this bed, and from then on, I’m going to need a lot more help.

The life of a Christian is all about right relationships. The right relationship with God, relationships with other followers of Christ, and relationships with non-believers. I have to say at some points in life, it would be so much easier to be a selective hermit. There would be fewer opportunities to be angry or spiteful. Less time consumed with solving other people’s issues for their lack of planning, resulting in fewer opportunities to judge. So much less chance of offense if you’re not around other people. 

Right off the top of my head, I see two major things wrong with that. One – The Word tells us that they’ll know we are Christians by our love toward each other, and if we choose NOT to be around others because we can’t stand to be around them… well, I just don’t think we need to go any further there.  The writer of Hebrews instructs us in 12:14 to work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you'll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God's generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent.  A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God's lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God's blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears.

And two, if we’re never tested, how will we know? James 3:17a tells us that Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. 

It can be very hard work. That too is acknowledged and issued for instruction as the second part of that same Scripture assures us we can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.

So, I’d have to say, No, we can’t all just get along. Without God, it’s impossible. However, with God, all things are possible. Difficult, at times, but definitely possible.

Prayer:

Father,

            Hear our cry for right relationship with You. How You could love us in our unlovable state and continue to do so during our petty differences is beyond me. Help us to learn by following Your example toward US. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen