January 16, 2022 – Relationships
This is a little spill over from yesterday on communication. We each have so many different relationships in our lives and need to keep each one of them within their order of God given authority and place is important. First, is your personal relationship with God and His written Word which reveals Jesus to us. Second, is your relationship with your spouse if you have one. Third, is your children, then your extended family. Next would be your church family or the Body of Believers He has placed you in. Then comes your job or the ministry you have been called to do for Him. I’ve seen too many people make a career change without having a solid place to fellowship with other believers and it sets them back years. Thank God for the internet nowadays. Next comes your friends (closest, close, and in “their place”) and last your community responsibilities. We’ve seen so many tragedies when these relationships get out of order and respected boundaries get “jumbled up” . This month value the relationships that God has placed in your life and evaluate if they are in proper order and within the boundaries. If not, make the changes!!
Righteousness
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (ESV) For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.
Faith
John 13:34 (ESV) A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
Action
Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Bold Declaration:
This year, I will make wise decisions concerning my friendships and relationships. I will engage with people purposefully and will be a source of strength, hope and accountability to my friends. My friends will be able to follow me because I will continue to follow Christ.
