“A Call to be Connected”

In bible study we are in a series on Building Relationships.  It is an interesting subject and series and it is interesting to hear the responses.  Why is it so difficult for us to get along with others? I mean everywhere you look there are people who have issues with other people.  It may be personality, skin color, political views, economic status or just a plain dislike of someone.  The people in this world have an inherent disposition to not get a long with people.  But do we?  Did God put this in us that we would have issues with others?  Did God create us with DNA that triggers opposition with others?  Is it something that we can’t control, or can we?

I think that it is easy for us to not get along with people than it is to get along.  It is easy to write people off than it is to build people up and work things out with others.  Even those who are married and have made a lifelong commitment to each other and to God, have to work on issues and are SUPPOSED to work through their issues in order to stay happy with one another.  I am actually disappointed in what we teach our children.  I make every attempt to teach my children not to be so sensitive to things people say about them.  I am not telling them to be passive, but I also want them to pick their battles and to not let the slightest thing cause them to not like a person or to get in their feelings.

The bible doesn’t try to sugar coat the issues we may face.  The bible tells us that we WILL endure hardships, we WILL be offended, we WILL be persecuted for Christ sake, and we WILL have enemies.  The bible also tells us that we are to work through ALL of the issues that comes from what we face.  The bible even tells us what good is it to love those that only love you?  Our witness is made more powerful by the love we give to strangers and our enemies.

I have heard several people say that they don’t have friends or don’t want to.  I actually feel sad for them because I believe having true friends in life is a blessing especially when those friends are someone you can call and depend on.  With every blessing there is a burden.  We can not expect to go through life without trials and tribulations while at the same time enjoying the blessings of God.  We need people and we need relationships in our lives.  We need to have people who care, love and show themselves friends to us.

So, I always choose to not see the worst in people.  I choose to extend grace to those who may offend me.  The devil is a tricky character and he knows how to sow discord in the lives of those who are loved by God.  I know what the devil tries to do when he destroys relationships.  God wants us together and the devil opposes that.  So, he does what he can to destroy what God has built up in us.  So, I choose to not give the devil any victories in my life.  You may not like me or understand me, but I choose to not let it affect me.  You may not want to fool with me, but I choose to be intentional in my love relationship with others.  This is what God requires.  If he requires that of me then it is my obligation to do the best I can with the help of the Holy Spirit to follow God’s command. 

As I end this little rant, there will come a time when we all have to face our creator.  We will have to stand before God and give account of our lives.  Can we say that we are ready?  Will God be pleased with our lives?  I believe this is a pertinent question for a redeemed sinner.

Michael O. Oyedokun II