We
serve a relational God and relationship seem to be the focal point of His
attention and dealings with mankind. Several scriptures illustrate how much God
is interested in outstanding relationships. It was the love of relationship
that caused Him to sacrifice His only begotten son, Jesus. He cherished
relationship to a place where He had to implement a plan in order to redeem
mankind after the fall. Relationship is also important to the Father because
His dealings on earth are closely knitted with His relationship with man. For
the most part, Man seems to be His contact and access into the earth.
Your
desire to be in a relationship and see it succeed is a God–given desire.
Sometimes, what makes relationships fail, is our inability to see that
relationship is God’s intent and desire and He is the master of relationship.
And that our approach and success in any and every relationship should be based
on His criteria. By criteria we mean
a principle or standard by which something may be judged or decided.
Several criteria can and should be used to
determine a lasting kingdom relationship. By lasting, we are not necessarily
referring only to a lifelong relationship but also to the degree of success.
And this is so because, we also know that relationships are seasonal. The fact
that a relationship is successful does not mean that it will always be there.
We need to be very sensitive to the move of the Father in this area as well.
Relationships have the potential to succeed and
do succeed when done according to God’s standards. Irrespective of how many
times you have been disappointed in relationships, the truth about this God
given gift to mankind is that it can succeed. Do not let your disappointment be
the reason why you discredit the idea of relationship. Until you get to a place
where you begin acknowledging that
1)
Relationship
is God’s idea.
2)
There are
God-given principles that must guide the process of relationship.
3)
Your
relationship with God himself is what determines your success in any other
relationship. In other words, your relationship with God precedes your
relationship with man.
Relationship will remain a mystery, a no go
area for you or just something that you were never meant to succeed in.
For our studies, we are looking at two
characters by name Naomi and Ruth.
A
little background on this story as we delve deeper. As a result of famine in
Bethlehem, Judah, Elimelech took his wife and two sons to settle in Moab. While
in Moab, Elimelech died; his sons, Mahlon and Chilion later married Moabite
women, Ruth and Orpah, respectively. Ten years later, Mahlon and Chilion died
and Naomi was left with a husband and children. News got to Naomi that the Lord
had begun providing for His people in Bethlehem, so she decided to return to
Bethlehem and at this point, she told her daughter in-laws the situation and
insisted that they all part company. Orpah agreed and kissed her mother-in-law
good bye while Ruth insisted on going with Naomi. Amen.
Ruth
1:16-17 (NKJV)
But
Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from
following after you; For wherever you go, I will go;
And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your
people shall be my people, And your
God, my God. Where you die, I will die, And there will
I be buried.
1)
Destination – Always have your purpose in
mind. Your purpose in mind will help you make the right choices about whom to
be in relationship. Where are you going?
2)
Location – By location we mean physical,
intellectual, spiritual, financial, etc. Set attainable goals in these areas to
move you to the next level. Always remember that you can soar higher. What
plans do you have on the ground to move you higher?
3)
Companion – Who do you plan to keep with
you as you journey. It is commonly said that if you must travel far, consider
travelling light. Choose your crowd. Enjoy being alone. Always remember that,
although alone, you are not lonely. Amen!
4)
Fellowship – Who is God to you? Do you
know Him or do you know about Him? What are your priorities when it comes to
fellowship with Him? It is one thing to profess him, yet another, to make him
center of your lifestyle.
5)
Sacrifice – Has everything to do with
attitude, especially the aspect of selfishness. Choose not be selfish and
encourage those around you not to be selfish either. It is a veil that covers
like no other. Amen.
As you ask yourself these questions and
evaluate yourself at the same time, do likewise for the person you plan to get
into relationship with. Do so wisely. I must reiterate that these principles
are universal relationship principles. It is not specific to a relationship.
Many criteria need to be considered when
considering relationship. I believe these five criteria shared with you so far
will get you a head start in the right direction. Amen!
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