Relationships – Day 6

Every human being is on a life’s journey. However, it involves more than the journey and destination — it finds true meaning in who we travel with and with whom we have a true relationship. God’s love for people and his desire to be in a relationship with us is the essence of our journey: “… I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know” (John 14:3). Our “being where He is” grow us into people who are constantly being transformed to become more like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18). From this relationship it gets easier to be human for another human on life’s journey.

This, however, brings responsibility: You have to lead other people to “where He is” — this is an action that is not impossible though: “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12). The psychologist Larry Crab summarises this as follows: “The church is a community of people on a journey to God.” Genuine relationships of giving and sharing become an investment of eternal value, whenever believers individually or corporately grow towards unity in their faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:13).

Jesus sets the example: “Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out …” (Mark 4:13). Note that Jesus took the initiative to involve them in His life, not the other way around. In this relationship they discover who God really is, what it involves to be a follower of Jesus Christ wholeheartedly, and also their task as followers. Furthermore, their relationship with one another exploited a dynamic power of services that would affect the world forever.

This kind of relationship requires that we walk the talk. In other words, be the example, live the example. In a broken and mixed-up world, this is not easy. How do we get it right? Be where He is! Follow Him as your own shadow follows you. He is the Light — live in His light; He is the Vine — abide in Him (John 15:4-5); He is the Way — walk His road; He is the Truth — believe in Him; He is the Life — live out of Him that lives in you (John 14:6).