Articles
What Is A Relationship? - Part 2
In the context of John 1:1-5, we discover it was through Jesus all things were created. We ascertain the relationship between God & Jesus. We come across the relationship between Jesus & His creations. We detect life, which is the light of men, is found only in Christ Jesus & in relation to the Light of God, man is nothing more than impotent darkness. Therefore, we identify another relationship, the relationship between Christ the Redeemer & humanity, the sinners in need of redemption. Since Jesus is the Creator of relationships, what was His attitude towards them?
Jesus had an attitude of priority when it came to relationships. He put His spiritual relationship above & ahead of all physical & secular relationships. As Christians, we must have this same attitude! In order for a relationship to grow, strengthen, & succeed, it must be established upon & by the will of God (Mark 3:31-35). It is through one’s ability to know, do, & live the will of God that relationships are recognized (Psalm 119:74). King David is saying, “I know I am doing the will of God. Therefore, if you are doing the will of God by fearing Him & I am doing the will of God by having hope through His word, then you ought to be glad to see me. So, it is by this I recognize whether we have a relationship or not.”
No matter how many relationships we may have on this time-side of life, our relationship with Christ has to be the priority! Jesus Christ must come before all. We must give Him primetime & first place in our lives. Listen to your Bible! In Luke 14:26, the Bible reads, “If anyone comes to me & does not hate his own father & mother & wife & children & brothers & sisters, yes, & even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” In this text, Jesus uses the word “hate.” Jesus tells us unless we hate our family & the preservation of our lives, we cannot have a relationship with Him. Many have tried to say Jesus simply meant for us to love family & life less than Him. However, Jesus uses the actual word “hate.” However, the Christian is prohibited to hate others. So, what is Jesus saying here? Our Lord is trying to tell us our love for Him should be so great in comparison to our other relationships, it would appear our love in these physical & secular relationships are nothing more than hatred.
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