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The Relationship

by Steve Countryman  
2/06/2015 / Christian Living


There are several types of relationships that we all engage in through out our lives. All of them require different levels of trust, love, caring and intimacy. It is actually the level of those things that moves the level of relationship to a different type.

The different types of relationships that most of us take part in are as follows FaceBook "friends" (friend of a friend), acquaintances, friendly, childhood friend, school friend, work place friend, regular friend, close friend, distant relative, close relative, parents, best friend, boyfriend/girlfriend, sibling and spouse. The differences are found in how intimate you are in your relationships. In that intimacy or lack thereof is where the different types of relationships are created and maintained. It takes two to have any relationship or it's just a fantasy, infatuation or crush.

An acquaintance is not going to know your likes and dislikes like a close friend would. Likewise a close friend is one who you care more for and about than a FaceBook friend of a friend. That is the normal way we treat our different types of relationships. Even a spouse is more likely to know great details about you now more than a sibling. Typically your siblings know more about you as a child than your spouse.

We also treat our levels of relationships differently depending on what all we have invested with them time, experiences, habits, hobbies, interests and things in common. The more you care and love someone the closer and more intimate that relationship becomes. Most regular relationships come and go and we are used to that. It is the close ones that are painful when they part.

Trust is a key component in any relationship. The more you trust someone the closer you grow to them and the more intimate your relationship becomes. Trust can take years to develop or earn but can be lost in the matter of seconds.

Relationships are often tested, abused, broken, mended, destroyed, mistreated, lied to and lied about, taken for granted, ignored, become idols, obsessive/compulsive, needy, bad, hurtful, mean and destructive. But there are those that are "iron that sharpens iron", someone to confide in, trusting, close, intimate, loving, healing, built up, strengthened, leaned on and necessary. Good relationships require time, give and take, energy and effort to make them last and grow like a good marriage.

"The relationship" is unlike any other relationship that you'll ever have. It is the most unique relationship found anywhere in the universe. "The relationship" consists of layers of types of relationships that are woven together. I'm talking about the relationship that you have with your Creator, Father God. Each layer of that relationship carries its own requirements and level of trust and love. Matthew 22:37 "And He replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect)." This is a command not a request, a decision/choice that we His children have to make daily.

Romans 6:22 "But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life." Psalms 113:1 "Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, Praise the name of the LORD." 2 Timothy 2:24 "The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged." Galatians 3:26 "So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith." Romans 8:17 "And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him]; only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory."

Viewing the different levels of our status with God reveals the different levels of relationships that we have with Him. First we are all sinners and slaves to sin and God knows of us that way. Sinners cannot have a relationship with God for He is not their master. Next upon salvation and receiving Jesus as your Lord and Master you now become His servant. You now have a relationship with God if you know it or not. The next step is to a trusted servant of the Lord. A trusted servant has more responsibilities and a closer walk with the Lord. As your walk and relationship develops you move rapidly to the next level which is that of a bond servant.

Bond servants have a closer relationship, walk, understanding and love for their Master. So much so that they make a decision that impacts and forever changes their life and status with God. A bond slave is a slave who decides to forever remain a slave to their master. Surrendering their independence, their personal agendas, their own will and ways, all that they are and all that they have to the Lord. And confirming their loyalty, respect, love, praise, gratitude, trust, faith, obedience, willingness, in alignment to His Word and commands while accepting all responsibilities that come with that decision and position.

John 15:15 "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." This is the next step in your relationship with Jesus, you are now His friend. Your walk and relationship have now grown that you talk to him daily as you would to a close friend. You share things that you would only share with a close friend. Your prayers take on a more closer and intimate tone with your God. Wow, the Creator of the universe calls you His friend!

It's hard to imagine a closer relationship than that of a friend but Father God wants the closest possible relationship with you. So much so that He has adopted you into His family at the time of your salvation. He then calls you His Son or Daughter and makes you a co-heir with Christ to the throne. That shows you just how important you are to Him and how much He loves you!

In "The Relationship" you will be treated differently at different times depending on what God may ask of you. A servant of the Most High God should not expect to be recognized or patted on the back for doing what is required of all of God's servants. That's like an employee who wants pats on the back for just showing up for work. But Father God treats His children with tons of love and loads of blessings for it blesses Him to bless you! God will treat you as a servant at times and His child at other times. That is what makes this relationship so totally different and wonderful than any other you know. There are answers to all of your problems found in this relationship and it carries victory with it! Rest, peace and joy for those who will rest in Him. Please read this writing for it is what we all can expect "The Relationship" to do for us; http://articles.faithwriters.com/reprint-article-details.php?article=27889 .

There are a couple of things to keep in mind in this relationship. You cannot treat God like you treat your friends or family. He deserves your best not your leftovers! Always be open and honest with God EVERYTIME you pray. Don't abuse your relationship or ignore it. Invest your time and energy with God daily for it is ALWAYS time well spent! God desires a close intimate relationship with you daily not just once in a while. Daily habitation not just visitation. He wants to be involved with EVERY aspect of your life from the smallest of things to the overwhelming things. He will never leave you nor forsake you no matter what mistakes you make along the way. He will never turn His back on you regardless how many times you turn your back on Him or how many times you give Him reason to. This relationship is not a life long relationship but an eternal relationship! Time to start it NOW!

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

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