BUILDING EFFECTIVE RELATIONSHIPS (1)

>>> MAINTAINING A SOLID RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

TEXT:

Relationships are very important to man. It is not possible for a man to be an island, not needing anyone. You may not need everyone, but you need someone. To disregard relationship is to despise destiny. There is a solid inseparable relationship among the Trinity and the extension of that relationship to humanity is the birthplace of spiritual fellowship.

In the Bible, anyone God did anything tangible with his/her life and eventually ended well, that person thrived on a solid relationship with God. Abraham had a relationship with God and lived a life with resultant trans-generational impact. Moses, David, Daniel, and many others thrived on the wings of relationship with God.

More so, secrets are released on the platform of relationship. God’s secrets are not for strangers but those who have relationship with Him as characterised by referential fear (Deuteronomy 29:29). A true relationship is a fertile ground and spiritual culture medium for spiritual virtues. There were several sons of the prophets, but only Elisha was qualified to get Elijah’s mantle. It happened by relationship. The mantle dropped at the point Elisha exclaimed “My father my father” (2 Kings 2:12-13). There was a request, but there was relationship. There is a limit to what a stranger can ask you. If you are a stranger to Heaven, there is a limit to the virtues you can enjoy.

On SPIRIT SWORD DEVOTIONAL, we commence a series titled BUILDING EFFECTIVE RELATIONSHIPS and today we look at MAINTAINING A SOLID RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.

There are people who value their relationship with their friends and business partners than their relationship with God. As long as their friends/partners are pleased and impressed, they are happy even when that means God is displeased. This is why many lie to please men but hurt God.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO MAINTAIN A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?

1) IT MEANS TO PUT GOD FIRST ABOVE ANYONE AND/OR ANYTHING

It is to value what God says/thinks more than what man thinks/says. It is striving to please God above all others. It is that point where living for God counts more than living for self or for men.

2) IT MEANS TO HAVE A CONSISTENT AND PROGRESSIVE ALTAR OF FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD

This is in the place of prayer, studying the word, fasting, etc.

3) IT IMPLIES ALLOWING GOD’S WILL TO BE THE STANDARD AND DRIVING FORCE BEHIND YOUR DREAMS AND PURSUITS

It means not to commit your pursuit to something that though looks good but is not God’s. It is to have God at the centre of your living, pursuit and purpose.

If you value your relationship with God, it will determine places you go, the things you wear, the way your money is spent, and it will define your other associations. If you can spend 3 hours watching movies and cannot spend the same praying, then you value movies and TV than God. This is a manifestation of idolatry.

Prayer:

Lord, I am sorry for anyway I have relegated you behind in my life. Today, please take your place; reign and rule in my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.