Core Value #8 - Relationships

Core Value #8 - RELATIONSHIPS        

 

Although this is the last one – it probably defines the feel of our ministry more than any of the others.  Most related to Caring, but has connections to integrity, teamwork, inclusiveness, and even sacrifice.

 

I believe relationships are the primary area where God shows us what He’s doing in our lives.

 

PERSONAL APPLICATION

If the enemy can get you to feel alone – you’ll be defeated

 

Not all relationships are healthy and enduring – Don’t misconstrue this teaching!

            Some are given just for a time

            Some need to be cut off

            Some need to be let go

The good things in life are often the enemies of the best things in life

 

The people you are around and choose to invest your time in will have the LARGEST impact on the direction and feel of your life. – you need to have the RIGHT people around you!

 

1.         The Substance of Life - Relationships

 

When we look back at our lives and even forward in our lives, what is the most important part of our lives on this earth?  What would bring the most satisfaction and enjoyment?

 

Relationships bring the texture and depth to our lives

 

SPIRITUALLY

Primary interaction with God is relational

John 1:12 – we can become the children of God

 Matt 7:23 “I never knew you” basic question with God is relational

 

HUMANLY

Not good for man to be alone (Gen 2:18)

The Creator knew that He made us to need to be with one another

Thus, relationships are a gift from God

Not a cheap commodity to be used and thrown away (Eph 4:31-32)

 

Without other people, our lives would be empty and pointless. 

            SURE they bring pain and risk

            But isolation is no solution – it is just adding another problem

 

Give thanks today for the relationships that God has given you – for how much they make your life mean

 

2.         Relationships require care and nurturing

 

While relationships are gifts, it doesn’t mean we can presume that they are easy or invincible

 

            The healthy only grows on purpose, the weeds grow for free (Eph 5:28-29)

Get rid of – doesn’t say “don’t get” because it comes automatically

These are relational killers!!

Notice the mandate for healthy relationships – kindness, compassion, forgiveness

 

What are other weeds – expectations, manipulations, selfishness

1 Cor 13:4-8 – what is love? – Love is not self-seeking

A healthy relationship is not one in which I am looking to have my needs fulfilled – Is the Lord enough?  If not, He may make it so that He is all you have!!

 

3.         MINISTRY happens in relationships

 

Jesus and disciples – 3 ½ years with them (John 15:15-17)

⁵I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. ¹⁶You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. ¹⁷This is my command: Love each other.

 

            Takes time and patience

            Takes regular instruction

            Takes TRUST

 

Call to connect with others is a call to relationships

This is why the Bible calls us an interdependent body

God designed the church to work through our relationships (Eph 4:11-16)

 

4.         Ministry’s foundation is Relationships

 

Cannot substitute busyness or programs for relationships with people or with the Lord

 

Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42)

 

Opened her home – to entertain a guest – to be hospitable

These sisters were reaching out to develop a friendship – spend time together

 

CONTRAST between the sisters -

v. 39 – Mary sitting at Jesus feet – the language is meant to convey that she is just engrossed in conversation with the Lord – listening intently

 

v.40 – Martha busy serving (idea is bringing out food, drinks – making the dinner possible

 

Both valid approaches to their time with the Lord?  Seems so – but look at the Lord’s comments – Mary has chosen what is better (literally the good thing).

 

Why is Mary praised?  And Martha criticized? 

v.40 “distracted” – she was focused and busy – so what was she distracted from?  JESUS!!  The word picture is dragging around a weight so that you are weary, tired, and ready to give up

 

Don’t mistake activity with someone – even spiritual – for a relationship with them

Don’t mistake service for the Lord with a vibrant personal relationship with Him

Our service must flow from our relationship or it will be empty!

 

Look at Martha’s experience  (when you let busyness overrun relationships – especially with the Lord)

Frustration, weariness, abandonment, even comparisons that lead to judgment.

“Don’t you care” – do you wonder if your Lord cares about you?

“left me to do the work ALL BY MYSELF” – do you feel like you’re the only one working – or that you’re carrying more than your share?

“Tell her to help me” – do you find yourself telling God what to do?

 

In contrast, Mary knew it was time to just spend time with her friend – the Lord

Jesus calls it “needed”.  We all need to have time just focused on Him.

 

If we don’t watchguard our relationship with the Lord, we can fall into a pattern of spiritual looking activity that is empty and dry – WHAT DO YOU DO THEN?  Carve out time to just spend with him!!

 

Our ministry will be founded on relationships – not programs!  We will keep in focus the need to just spend time together.

           

            Contagious Christian – principle of relational evangelism!