Relationships – Rev. Mike Williams

Relationships

In perhaps the Bible’s oldest book, regarding God, we are challenged to, Acquaint now thyself with Him and be at peace. (Job 22:21)  The apostle Paul took the prospect of meaningful relationship between man and Maker to an entirely different level when he confessed that, what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. (Philippians 3:7-8a)  Knowing Him was not just possible, but of paramount importance.
To be sure, relationships are the essence of life – and God is a good place to begin.  From that fountainhead flow all of the other human connections that are critical to our spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.  It should not be lost on us how essential, and incredibly powerful, these connections can be.
Who would dare deny that Jezebel’s shadow darkened the life of Ahab: or that Abigail’s wisdom saved her husband, Nabal’s, hide from David’s marauding men.  Lot’s influence on his children – when he pitched his tent toward Sodom, indeed his daughter’s designs on him – once they had fled to the mountains, is the stuff of legend. 
Still hiding his secret sin, David the king was saved, in no small part, by Nathan the preacher’s fearless proclamation, Thou art the man (2nd Samuel 12:7).  So carefully and honestly had that connection been nurtured, that the prophet felt free to speak truth to his king, without fearing for his life.
Amnon knew that his lustful desire for his half-sister, Tamar, was illicit: apparently, he had successfully fought off that temptation and fallen sick.  So far, so good.  But Amnon had a friend … (2nd Samuel 13:3)  That friend, Jonadab, persuaded him to give in to his urges and with that careless counsel pulled the thread that unraveled Amnon’s life.
Maker, minister, offspring, spouse, or friend – we will be neither more, nor less, than our relationship to them all. We cannot separate our life, from our relationships – they are one and the same. May God give us wisdom to keep them real, rich, and rewarding.
Rev. Mike Williams 
Men's Ministry UPCI - Director 

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