One of the things I like about blogging is the ability to categorise.
It’s interesting noting which categories have the most blogs, it’s a good indicator of what I like to blog about that. One of those categories is Relationships. This evening I was reminded why it is such an important issue to write about.
Sitting in a Bible Study I was reminded that a key motivator for doing the will of God was because I am a child of God. He has given His Son and all who believe in the Son acknowledge the Father and that means we’re in a new family. Not only that but the Son takes it upon Himself to call us His brothers. That made a significant impact on me when I heard it. It reinforced the fact that faith in Him means it does not matter what others say about me, I am a child of God and Jesus is my brother. That’s a big deal.
It’s a big deal because that critical relationship defines the nature of every relationship that matters. It defines that what matters in life is the relationship. Once that is in place and He teaches me how to relate, then I realise that my selfish tendencies do damage. Not only does it do damage to others, but it seriously deforms me.
In the light of the loving relationship with the Father and the Son, I am enabled to love others and not allow negative comments in my direction to have a lasting impact. It does not have a lasting impact because the truth is I am not defined by the word they say – I am defined by the words Jesus has towards me.
It’s the most meaningful thing in the world to me to know I have a Father who cares and a brother who will do what it takes to make sure His younger sibling is properly shaped in the character pleasing to our Father. That relationship matters and it means that all other relationships have a richer and deeper meaning.
Learning this is important for me, especially as I don’t always feel I belong. The relationship, however, reminds me that to Him I belong and that enables me to belong to all His family.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 