As we enter the Holiday time of year we turn or focus to those around us, the relationships we have. For some this can be a stressful time as relationships are not what we would like them to be. We have relationships with many, but how do we relate? As we take a look around, who do we have relationships with? Why? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
You are at the racetrack and you need a part for your car, who do you go ask? You go to someone you know. You go to someone who you know will help you out. How do you know? You know because you have a relationship with them. They will help because you relate well to each other. If not, an excuse will be made or some other reason made. Among our racing community we relate well to each other and are willing to help one another more than other communities we are a part of. That is why we enjoy being together.
In our day to day lives we meet people and interact with them. Some we decide to get to know better. Others we choose not to pursue. Who we choose and why is an interesting process. Understanding the reasons we build relationships will help us relate better. Did you know that guys generally choose who to be friends with based on what others have? Let me explain.
If Joe has a truck and you don’t, you may choose to become friends with Joe because you may need a truck someday. Think about it, if you doubt it, go buy a truck and see how many friends you suddenly have.
That is not the only way we choose our friends. We have many different things that draw us to others. Stop for a moment and think about why you hang around with the people you do. Think about what attracts you to someone else.
Just like we have many people we have relationships with, there are many different kinds of relationships. Some are close and some are social. No matter the relationship there are a few things that are true about each one of them. Relationships are built on trust, communication, time, honesty and faith. The stronger these traits the closer the relationship.
Without these components relating to each other is difficult if not impossible. Close relationships only develop when we can relate to one another. We can pretend, but when times get difficult and they will, only relationships that are built on this solid foundation will be able to stand.
The keys to secure, close relationships come directly from our relationship with God through Jesus. The relationship that God desires to have with each one of us involves each of these. Let’s break it down a little.
Trust; it is difficult to be close with someone you cannot trust. Think about how difficult it would be to share your most intimate thoughts if you didn’t feel you could trust someone. You wouldn’t and the relationship would not be as close as it should be. Think about the relationships you have, are they trusting ones?
Communication is another vital component. How close can you be if you don’t talk with someone? Communication can also be done without talking, our body language can indicate our true feelings. Communicating with each other helps develop the trust required in any close relationship. It also helps us recognize each other, “that doesn’t sound like….”
Time is another necessity; time spent together and time spent thinking about one another. How much time have you spent on the relationships you are in? Sometimes we think others will understand our absence but it takes its toll. There is no substitute for being there.
Honesty is a given. No relationship stands a chance if honesty is absent. Trust is built on being trustworthy. We are trustworthy when we are honest with each other. When we are not honest we deceive not only the other person but ourselves. There is tremendous pressure on a relationship when it is built on lies.
When these components are present they produce faith. Faith we can depend on someone to fulfill their responsibilities in a relationship. When we relate in these ways it is a freeing feeling. We are at peace. It puts the finishing touches on what it means to be in a close personal relationship.
Let me transfer this to the personal relationship we need to have with God through Jesus. You see Jesus opened the door so that we could seek out God and have a close personal relationship with Him. God provided Jesus because He wants a close personal relationship with each of us.
Seek Him out by reading His word and getting to know Him. Spend some time talking with Him and asking Him some questions. You will find Him trustworthy and honest. You will find Him worthy of placing your faith in. I am reminded of the passage that Jesus spoke at the end of His sermon on the mount. He talked about two men who had heard His words. One chose to listen, one chose to ignore them. They lived their life and challenges came. One was able to put his trust and faith in God. The other had only himself to depend on. One was able to stand. The other life crumbled and crashed.
Matthew 7:24-27, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Who do we think we need to have a relationship with? Life is difficult at best. We cannot make it through alone. We need the companionship of others. God made us that way. Take some time and work on the relationships in your life. Make every effort to build them on the rock that is the teaching of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Desire to relate with trust, communication, time, honesty and faith. Learn how having these close relationships can make life worth living. Build a relationship with God today and all your relationships will benefit.
John 10:10, NLT, The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
