14 years ago I was in South Florida for a missionary assessment to prepare to go over seas. We had tests and more tests. Written tests, psychological tests, interview tests, etc. I guess we passed because they let us become missionaries to the French island of Guadeloupe.
One of the things I remember from that time was one questions which gave me some insight into myself that I hadn’t known. It was multiple choice, “Where would you prefer to live?” The answer that I chose was in the middle of the woods. I’ve thought about it many times. Living here in Florida at the edge of vast rural areas it would be easy to find a piece of property, throw a gate up, and disappear.
What’s behind this? Relationships with people are messy and it would be really easy to avoid as many social interactions as possible.
My Lord is Jesus Christ. That means that I say that I believe in Him and want to be like Him in my attitudes and actions. As a follower of Christ (who is the authority in my life) I am commanded to be in relationships with others so that I can introduce them to my Lord through my life and the way I live.
Jesus is our role model of how to love in relationships – John 15:12-15. Prayer is more powerful in groups – Matthew 18:20. Work is so much better in a group – Luke 10:1-2. Most importantly Jesus is the perfect example of sacrificial love John 3:16 & John 15:12-15.
If we claim that Jesus is our Lord then we have no right to have strained relationship without making an effort to affect some sort of reconciliation.
Relationships are messy but its the very thing that God uses to introduce people to Jesus Christ.
robin says
Have a blessed day, and, yes, relationships are sometimes difficult, hurtful, etc., etc….but they are necessary in life, and I am thankful with all the relationships/friends that have entered my lifetime….it was a growing experience for me….and I am deeply saddened when they have entered the kingdom of heaven, and have left me….but knowing, that they are pain free and happy in God’s family, is comforting….until we meet, again…..we must continue to reach out to those in need, to comfort, and praise God that we are able to do this…while, here on this glorious earth.
Karin says
You nailed it!