Grace Fellowship

This New Year 2008 people will make all kinds of resolutions. But, what is really important to God?

When purchasing a new automobile, one should refer to the owner’s manual for proper care of the vehicle. If the oil isn’t changed, it will eventually affect the running condition of the car.In this fallen dysfunctional sin-filled world God has given us certain priorities for maintaining healthy relationships causing them to be oiled with God’s grace. Knowing these and trusting God’s grace to help us implement them is a great starting place for living a better life.

What are God’s relationship priorities?

First, is our personal and intimate relationship with Jesus.
It is more than just knowing God! However, it is living and trusting Him on a daily basis. To place anything above this personal and intimate relationship with Jesus is idolatry. To do so will create an emotional void that a spouse, pastor or any other person cannot fill. Nothing in life can be a substitute for this first most important relationship priority.

The second relationship priority is your spouse, provided one is married.
Too often, the job is either number one or two on our list, but God did not intend this. The divorce rate of the Church is equal to that of the secular world. Even children cannot come second in this relationship. God told grown children to leave their parents and cleave to their spouse. He never told the husband to leave his wife. It brings a sense of security to a home when this priority is in its rightful place.

The third relationship priority is that of the children.
In the name of caring for children, many never have time for them. Children will learn about life’s priorities from their parents. Someone once said, “Children pay more attention to what you do than what you say.” Part of the social interaction of the family should take place in the local church environment.

The fourth relationship priority is that of your local church.
The Bible says that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. If faith comes by hearing then how or when will it remain dormant? It is by neglecting or omitting the hearing of God’s Word! Picking a local church is not like choosing a Wal-Mart or K-Mart saying let’s see who has the best deal today. No, you wouldn’t send your child to an Islamic Temple to learn about Jesus because they have a wonderful children’s program! It is the parent’s responsibility to lead the home by attending the local church and place a premium upon hearing the Word of God.

The fifth relationship priority is that of the job or work place.
This comes up way too high on most people’s relationship lists. God will bless this priority as we trust Him with it. His desire is to prosper us in every area of life. We can experience a better life as we trust Him to help get these relationship priorities lined up.