The Key to Relationships

We were not built to do life alone.

As we continue to learn what it means to be obedient to the Lord as we go into the current, this week’s sermon focuses on the key to having healthy relationships. Contrary to popular belief with today’s “living remote” culture, no one is truly happy in isolation. We were made to have relation with one another.

RelationSHIPS

Relationships are a “ship” you can choose to get on or not. They are taking you somewhere. They’re either taking you into the things of God or not. A good relationship will challenge you and advance you. We are all called to grow in the things of God – and that includes growing in relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

What we can give vs. What we can get

If we are to have healthy relationships, we have to have the mindset of selflessness, not selfishness. How can you add value to someone’s life today?

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: ⁶ Who, being in very nature God,
   did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
⁷ rather, he made himself nothing
   by taking the very nature of a servant,
   being made in human likeness.
⁸ And being found in appearance as a man,
   he humbled himself
   by becoming obedient to death—
       even death on a cross! ⁹ Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
   and gave him the name that is above every name,
¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
   in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹ and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
   to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11 (NIV)

We need to have more humility in our relationships. We don’t always know what’s best. We aren’t always right. It’s difficult, but it is not impossible to live in humility. We are to be like Christ, and we can through the power of the Holy Spirit.

“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” Proverbs 12:15 (NIV)

Like Pastor Kelly Nelson said, “You shouldn’t worry about trying to attract the right person. Work on yourself to become the right person.” Think about what you can give, not what you can receive. Two half people don’t make a whole. They take from each other to try to make themselves whole – and that’s not healthy. Don’t focus on finding a relationship. Focus on the Lord. Give Him your heart, and He will give it to the right person to steward it well.

“Blessed is the one
   who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
   or sit in the company of mockers,
² but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
   and who meditates on his law day and night.
³ That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
   which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
   whatever they do prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)

How’s your prayer life?

“The key to a healthy relationship is having a healthy heart.” – Pastor Eli Nelson

Knowledge is in vain if you don’t go to the Lord in prayer to be transformed. You’re the one who is cultivating your spouse. Are you building him/her up or down? How are you working on yourself? Make it a habit to ask for forgiveness. Take ownership for what you’ve done, and walk in humility. If you’re struggling in your marriage, there’s no better counsel than the Holy Spirit. Love and pray out of a selfless heart. If you want to be a good spouse, friend, and parent: all good things come from Him. Seek the Lord and let Him teach you what it means to love like Him.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 (NIV)

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