It Starts With Jesus!

 

"But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ." (Philippians 3:7) 

Of all the relationships in our lives, which one is the most important? 

Is it the relationship we have with our parents, siblings, extended family members, friends, co-workers? As important as these relationships are; there is none that is more important than our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. 

The apostle Paul makes it clear in our text, that nothing that he gained in this life, is more important than his relationship with the Lord. 

People may ask, why is our relationship with Jesus Christ so important? Because no one else can save us from our sins, and provide a way for us to have a renewed fellowship with our Heavenly Father. (Acts 4:12) 

No one else can be the Shepherd we need as we meet the challenges of this life. (Psalm 23) 

Jesus came into this world to save us, and to be the best friend we could ever have. But the wonderful thing about this precious relationship with our Savior, is that He helps us to have better relationships with the people in our lives. From His teachings we are given instruction on how to treat others. How we are to love, and forgive, and work out the negative aspects of our relationships. I believe that loving others holds a lot of weight with our Lord. (John 15:12) 

If we love Jesus, we will do all that Jesus wants us to do. I am guilty of doing what I want to do, what I feel is right, treating others the way I feel I should. But does it line up with the teachings of our Lord?          The more, we love Jesus, the more we spend time with Him, the more we will be like Him. The more our actions toward others, will liken to that of that of our Lord. 

In essence it begins with our relationship with Him. This relationship will produce many good things in our relationships with others. 

We will more than get along, but we will be making a difference in the lives of those in our world. GP 

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The Apostle Paul's Relationship Triangle

"And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." 
(1 Corinthians 13:13) 

There are different illustrations of what is called: "The Relationship Triangle" The one the Apostle Paul describes, in our text, is one that not only speaks to the priority elements of a successful relationship, but to the marks of spiritual maturity.

When we are talking about the marriage relationship, "The foundational Relationship Triangle" is seeing God at the top of the triangle, and the husband and wife at the two bottom points of the triangle. A marriage cannot be a success without God being the main point person, of this relationship.

Than to complete the star formation, we can add "The Relationship Triangle" Paul speaks of in our text. He speaks of "Love" as being the supreme virtue in all of our relationships. There is no room for selfishness in any relationship. And at the next point of the triangle is "Faith." As we trust God, we must trust each other, and be faithful to each other. And than the last point of the triangle is "Hope" Hope is always focused on the positive things, concerning our relationships, and for our future together.

All of this applies to help our relationship with God, and with others, be the best that it can be. With God, and love, being the top points of these two triangles, it demonstrates what should be the most important priorities in our lives. The question is: are they? GP

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The One On One Relationship

"Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

 Coming from a small family, it has been hard for me to understand how large families, maintain a feeling of closeness and solidarity.

I agree that distance does limit us in maintaining our closeness, and our ability to work things out if there are problems.

In all families, large or small, I believe that the unity and solidarity of a family is built by the one on one relationships.

The Apostle Paul, encourages the members of the family of God at Thessalonica to make the most of their time, by comforting each other, edifying (or encouraging) each other, just as they were doing.
In essence Paul is saying: Keep on doing it, because it is making a difference.

This constant support involves one on one intervention.
This is something that is not seen in families today. And because it is not exercised, when the whole family gets together, there is an awkwardness. You feel like strangers instead of family members.

It is something I need to do a better job at. But it must be a reciprocal process. When we encourage each other on a one on one basis, it helps to strengthen the fellowship and unity of the family as a whole.

Our awesome God desires a one on one relationship with us, that in turn will benefit the whole family of God, that we are apart of. GP

 Photo by stockimages. Published on 11 June 2014 Stock photo - Image ID: 100266338
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