What are the relationships you value most in your life?
My close friend, David and I have had similar life experiences growing up. We had similar family dynamics, similar interests, and our faith journeys parallel one another. What makes our similarities awe inspiring is that we grew up in different parts of the world, separated by thousands of kilometres, speaking different languages, and being influenced by different cultures. We only met because we happened to share a class during our Master’s program.
Accountability
One of the things that I value most about my friendship with David is that we hold each other accountable. We have an agreement to hold each other accountable to the high (and sometimes difficult) standards set out by Jesus. When we fail to live up to these standards, we are compassionate, but at the same time we have a mutual understanding to give each other a kick in the butt. Kind of like a coach who sees great potential in an athlete, then tries to push the athlete beyond his/her limit, good relationships should be defined by inspiring greater holiness and virtue.
My friendship with David has inspired me to seek discomfort. David calls me out whenever I drop the ball. He doesn’t affirm every decision I make. Instead of getting offended, I am shaken out of my guilt and inspired to push forward with greater resolve. In the 10 years I’ve known David, I’ve overcome personal sins I struggled with and have grown in my relationship with God.
Fertile Soil
A good relationship is like fertile soil that allows for a tree to grow strong and resilient against the harmful and unpredictable elements of nature. If the soil is poor quality, then the tree may not grow to its intended height, the roots can become weak and fragile and the tree will eventually fall over and die before it’s time. Good relationships aren’t primarily defined by how we are made to feel, but by how much it inspires growth and the conquering of sin in our lives. Yes, David and I have things in common and we laugh at the same stupid things, but so do a bunch of other people, including strangers I’ve met.
We Can’t Fix Ourselves
God created us to be in relationships because we are broken and we can’t fix ourselves. In fact, God, Himself, is a relationship of three persons – a Trinity. So if we are created in God’s image and likeness, it only makes sense for us to be created for relationships. Moreover, we are all in the same boat. It doesn’t matter what you struggle with, we all struggle with something, some sin. The people in our relationships are God’s potential instruments to start repairing us, a bit at a time, on the road to Eternity with God.
Life is An Endurance Race
I see life as an endurance race. When athletes run marathons, along the sidelines are people offering them water, food, first aid and even massages to rehabilitate their aching limbs. Can you imagine if the people on the sidelines just told you to just give up, you ran enough, you should be happy where you are? Our friends, loved ones, and family are like the people at the sidelines, constantly pushing us forward. That includes you. You too have been placed in people’s lives on their journey to Eternity. The question you have to ask yourself is: Are you inspiring them to keep moving forward?
Let us pray,
The most important relationships in our lives are our family. Our family are our first educators, for Christians, the family is the domestic church.
Let us pray for healing, blessings and an increase in love in our families.
God of light, we know that no family is perfect. We often take things for granted and place higher standards on our own family members. Help us to overcome any jealousies, conflicts, or bitter feelings that may get in the way of family harmony. May we always show pride in and appreciation for our family members. Help us to express the care and concern we truly have for one another. May our families be blessed with good health, joy and love. Amen.
