“Hi!”, “Bye!”, and an occasional text…
do not a relationship make.
Communication is essential in a relationship. If there is one thing I could say characterizes relationships today, it would be a lack of meaningful communication. Without communication, there is at best only acquaintanceship. (Acquaintanceship is defined as a familiarity with someone characterized by superficial knowledge.)
In today’s Scripture passage, Paul addresses the Believers at Corinth. His words imply that he has a genuine relationship with them because he expresses a desire to spend quality time with them. This is a powerful principle–one by which we should evaluate our relationship with God.
So, here is my question to you today: Do you want an acquaintanceship with God or do you want a genuine relationship? This is an important question because some people think they have a relationship when, in fact, they only have an acquaintanceship. How can you tell the difference?
- If someone communicates with me only when they need something or when it is beneficial to them, I consider what we have to be only an acquaintanceship. If they demand my attention when I am busy with priority matters, they may not get it.
- On the other hand, if someone with whom I am in genuine relationship needs my help, I will do whatever I can to assist them–even if it interferes with what I am doing. This is how genuine relationship works.
Now, apply this to what you have with God. Do you pray only when you want something or do you make quality time to communicate with Him, share your heart, seek to know His, and include Him in your life every day? You should see this as a test to determine whether you have an acquaintanceship or a relationship.
Before I close, I will take it a bit further: Some people demand things from God and become angry when He does not attend to their whims. The question here is: Should He?
Should someone expect their demands to be met when they only use God for their convenience? What do you think? Do they have a right to be bitter because they expected Him to jump when they said jump… and He did not?
I understand that relationship determines what we receive from God. It works like this: As we grow closer in relationship, we will communicate more in agreement with Him. He will then more readily respond because we are in agreement with Him.
Any relationship requires time and effort to be healthy. Our relationship with God is no exception. Because Paul “put in the time” with the Corinthian Believers, he had both the respect and the right to ask them for their time and help. Read what he wrote; you will see both.
Be willing to put in the time to build a quality, intimate relationship with God. Have meaningful communication. Do this and you will be surprised what He will do for you. Remember: Relationship is reciprocal–it works both ways.
I recall when my relationship with God went to a deeper level. One day while praying I asked Him, “What can I do today to bring You joy?” A lot changed after that. I want to see this for you.
In closing, I go back to my original question: Do you want an acquaintanceship with God or do you want a genuine relationship? You can have either. You already know what God desires. The choice is yours.
Today’s Seed™ Scripture and Prayer for Mar. 14, 2023:
I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. (1 Cor 16:7 NIV)
Prayer: LORD, in my relationship with You, I have too many casual visits and too few where I spend quality time with You. I open the door, say “Hi, Lord. Give me…”, then move on. I want my relationship with You to be intimate, dynamic, and the top priority in my life. Help me do whatever I need to do to make it so. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
(c) 2023 Randall Vaughn • All Rights Reserved • http://www.e-min.org
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“Today’s Seed” from E-MIN • Mar. 14, 2023
About Randall Vaughn:
With 40+ years as pastor, author, teacher, worship leader, and songwriter, Randall pioneered E-MIN in 1997–one of the earliest online ministries and today the longest operating. His passion is leading people to deeper, genuine relationship with God. He lives in Alabama with his lovely wife, Karen, and their dogs, Hadi and Rayah. He enjoys hiking, exploring new tech, and “prayer walks”.
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