What is the Bible's Main Theme?
CONVERSATIONS:
No man is an island, Entire of itself, Every man is a piece of the continent, A part of the main. -John Donne
Relationships. In this life and in the next, we can't escape relationships. Whether it's our family, officemates, household help, or even our office guard, avoiding people is an unrealistic pursuit. And why should we, when we are built for relationships.
Our lives rise and fall on relationships. The people we let into our lives will play a big part in our greatest victories, and biggest regrets. They become our source of joy, and cause of sorrow. The question is, who do you let in?
Because of this truth, we cannot just blindly build our relationships. Rather, there is a need to be intentional in building relationships. Here are two points about it:
Establish godly relationships
Jesus said that the two greatest commandments are to love God and love others. In order to do that, we first need to reassess our current relationships and determine who we spend a lot of time with. Because the way that we love others can be affected by the people we commune with. The way we talk, the way we deal with others, the way we approach different situations, are all at some point influenced by the people who we are with a lot. The next step would be to think of those people who, even though they are not in our immediate circle, could be a positive influence to us.
Who are the people you know of, whose influence could lead you closer to loving God and others?
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The names you listed above are potentially the best suited mentors for you. They will be the ones whose opinions you will listen to, and actions you will follow.
ACTION ITEM: Reach out to these people this week. Send them a text or set up a meeting with them. Open up to them about how much you respect them and how much you could learn from them. Then be intentional in adding them to your life.
Grow godly relationships
The apostles were able to grow in their faith because they have experienced Jesus impartation first hand. They got to that level of faith because they spent time with Jesus, were with him wherever he would go, and listened to whatever he would day. To grow in godly relationships demands personal interaction with the people who will help you get closer to God.
Who among your present sphere of relationships could you stand to learn and gain from in terms of loving God and others?
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The names you listed above are the best people to grow deeper in relationship with. They are people who you need to invest in more. Since they are in your current radar, it is easier and convenient to schedule an appointment with them.
ACTION ITEM: Personally thank these people for being in your lives. Tell them how much of a great influence they have been to you, and how much more you could grow from being with them. Regularly spend time with these people.
Lets pray.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for giving us the gift of relationships. Life would be a lot more boring and stale without them, and for this we rejoice in the people You have put in our lives.
Lord, we pray that you give us discernment in all our relationships. If we have any toxic relationships that hold us back from Your will for us, please reveal them to us Father. In the same breath, may we be able to determine which relationships You want us to build on, so that we may draw closer to You.
Most of all, we pray for You to be at the center of every relationship we have. May we be faithful stewards of the relationships You have given us, so that in them You may be glorified.
This we ask in Jesus' name. Amen.
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