A
relationship is defined as the way in which two or more concepts,
objects, or people are connected, or the state of being connected. For the
purpose of this article, we will concern ourselves with how two or more people
are connected. The people in this relationship are God and you, the Christian.
How are relationships created and maintained? Some
relationships -- marital relationships for example -- start with attraction
between the two (man and woman), followed by nurturing by both people and
sometimes their loved ones. The parent/child relationship starts with the
adults having a child naturally, or through adoption. Last but not least is the
relationship between friends. Again, this relationship starts with some form of
attraction. No matter how these relationships start, in order to keep them
alive and flourishing, they have to be nurtured by the individuals in the
relationship.
What goes into nurturing a relationship? Communication,
support, giving, encouragement, respect, and provision of what the other person
needs. Each participant in the relationship needs these, so if meeting any of
these needs becomes one-sided, the relationship will suffer, and after a while,
begin to crumble, and eventually fail.
In the same way, Christians
need to nurture their relationship with God the Father if they’d like to have a
deeper, more meaningful relationship with Him. God doesn’t need to be nurtured:
we do. God wants to have ongoing, two-way communication with us. He wants to
hear our voice as much as He wants us to hear His. He’s charged us to pray (see
Matthew 6:5-15; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 5:13), which is
our end of the communication. How about His end of the communication? He speaks
to us through His Word; we need to read it, meditate on it, and obey it. That’s
the only uncontested way to hear from Him; there is no other!
If we pray, asking for this, that, and the other, but
never hear what He has to say, our communication becomes one-sided, and we
don’t benefit. When communication becomes one-sided, it becomes a lecture; it
ceases to be communication. God seeks a relationship, and not a lecture; He already
knows what we need. He needs us to know His Word, claim it, and live it
victoriously for His glory.
So, dear child of God, how has your communication been
with your Father lately? Remember, He admonishes us to have fewer words: “As
you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut. It is evil
to make mindless offerings to God. Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty
in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here
on earth. So let your words be few” (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 NLT). You can practice
listening more. Start today by reading and meditating on the Word, allowing Him
to speak to you.
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