Bobby has taken the time to remind us of our position as a child of God. And how to not only maintain it, but to see it grow. This is so good.
Relationship
We’ve all heard the statement that Christianity isn’t a religion, it’s a relationship-a relationship with God. This is definitely a true statement.
When I googled the word relationship, it said a relationship is a connection, association or a state of relatedness between two or more people, things or groups.
Then it listed three types of relationships. Interpersonal and romantic: close, deep or intimate associations between partners, friends or family members.
Familial: kinship or blood connections shared by relatives.
Working or professional:cooperative partnerships between colleagues, businesses or nations to reach shared goals.
Then it listed signs of a healthy relationship.
Open communication: direct expressions of needs and active listening without fear of judgement.
Trust and respect: mutual reliability regarding boundaries, honesty and emotional safety.
Compromise: willingness to accommodate differences and handle disagreements with kindness.
Shared effort: consistent emotional energy and appreciation from both individuals.
I thought of all this and how it described our relationship with God. As Christians I believe we have both a public and a personal relationship with Him. When we go to church, bible study or prayer meetings, we have a shared relationship with other believers. This is all part of God’s plan. He wants us to meet together, to bear one another’s burdens. He tells us in Mathew 18:20
“Where two or more gather in My name, I am there with them. “
But how are we when we’re alone? Do we have that intimate and interpersonal association with Him? When we pray, do we do all the talking or do we listen for what He has to say? Is it open communication or one sided?
Do we have trust and respect? The trust that He knows what’s best for us and the respect that we are talking to the Almighty Creator of all things.
Do we have the the compromise to accept His will over ours?
Do we share His effort? His will that none should perish but that all would come to repentance.
The only way to build a personal relationship with anyone is to spend time with them. There is no better way to spend time with God than to read His Word.
We think of eternal life as life after death with God in heaven. But Jesus said in John 17:3
“This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
So our eternal life begins here on earth- it is our relationship with the One True God.
Make it a Tethered Tuesday! God is good…