"A Cry for Relationship"

At the very core of who we are as human beings God has designed us for Relationship. We long for it. We crave it. Whether it is a mother, father, man, or woman we deeply desire it. It's clear as we look at scripture relationship is something God intended for us to have from the beginning. Look at Genesis where God makes it clear by creating another being (a woman) so that Adam would not be alone. Now even though they allowed temptation to overtake them and broke fellowship by being disobedient, the longing for relationship was still there.

I grew up most of my life with just my mom in the home. When I would feel bad, get in trouble, or get hurt, guess who I would run to and look for comfort? That's right, my mom. Why? Because see was the person I had built a relationship with. With her came comfort, peace, and joy. I didn't have to learn to desire a relationship. The desire was there when I was first born.

Now relationships have become temporal. Relationships are means of temporary satisfaction. Culture now tells us to form relationship with money, cars, clothes, women, and fame. But the reality is that's not really what is being desired. What is being desired is a relationship with someone who can give them comfort, joy, and peace. Let me say it's only one place where all three of those things can really come from.

Matthew 22:37-38 Jesus says,"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment."

As I read this scripture I thought about what love really is. And the thought popped in my head," Can you really love someone or something and not be in relationship with or experienced it in some way?" My answer is No. It's like saying I love Coca Cola and never had it at all. The only way I could even like it is by experiencing it. Even with sin, people fall in love with sin because they have formed a relationship with it. I think Jesus is asking us to be in relationship with him, because he desires relationship with us. You can't put your heart, mind, and soul into something your not in relationship with.

I asked our football team at Austin Peay, if your were in a relationship what would you expect that person to do for you? I heard answers like love me, sacrifice, humility, honor, correct, comfort me, spend time with me, be giving, encourage, and dnt change. After hearing the answers I looked at them and said,"Money, cars, and fame can't do that for you. It's a only a one way relationship, but there is a two way relationship where you don't have to worry whether or not the other side will give anything back because he will." That relationship I was talking about was with Jesus. With every characteristic they described they described a man who gave it all for them. He died on the cross for us because he loves us and desires relationship.

So what we see isn't a cry to want to fit in, look good, or stand out. They are trying to fill a void that can only be filled by Christ. It is a Cry for Relationship!


UPDATE:As a lot of you guys know I am out raising a monthly financial partnership team with Every Nation Ministries. Things are going good. I am standing and believing in faith that God is going to provide. If you are interested in hearing more about the work that I do as a missionary please don't hesitate to contact me...901-826-9925 or steven.johnson@everynation.org