Fearlessly Courageous
Desk of Dennis Piller
9/1/2021
Why is Satan trying to destroy your relationships III ?
Why is Satan trying to destroy your relationships III?
Growing up my mom was incredibly relational. We often had parties at the house and everybody knew my mom and dad. My children will tell you that we love to throw gatherings at our home. We love having friends over. I can honestly say, that our family was built on the legacy of relationships.
Social media has changed everything. Our culture is changing before our eyes. Between Facebook, Snapchat, and TickTock… there are so many that consume the lives of the world today. True relationships that are really bedded in love and time spent are vanishing. Our smartphone alone has changed everything.
But what Godly examples do we have as inspiration? We don’t have to look any further than the richness of the relationships in the Bible to set incredible examples for our children. I want my kids to experience what I did as a young man. Connections based on a common ground of faith. And even though I wandered off for a few years, the roots that were planted in me never went away. God kept calling me and putting people in my life developing relationships that I didn’t even look for and it was amazing how often I found God in the middle of them. Coincidence maybe, but I don’t think so.
In John 15:12-5, Jesus talks about his kind of friendship. The one that lays down his life for his friends. He says you are my friends if you do what I command you. You’re not servants… but friends.
Jesus actually wants to be in a relationship with us. Look at the way he walked with his disciples. What an ultimate example of a relationship. Here in America, we may not have to physically lay down our lives for our friends but we certainly can sacrifice for them. What a great example to share with our children and others. Sharing every joy, every care, every trying time, and every heartbreak. Developing that trust and that confidence overtime to be there for your brother or sister and for them to be there for you regardless of whether they have the same last name or not is so comforting and life-changing.
I love the story of Jonathan and David in 1 Samuel 18:1–5 it said Jonathan was knitted to the soul of David and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Jonathon made a covenant with David because he loved him. He took off his own robe and his own sword and bow and belt and gave them to David. And David went out and was successful at wherever king Saul sent him. And even though Jonathan was in line to be king, he was never jealous of his friend
because he loved him more than himself.
If you notice, God uses our friendships to make us stronger. He sent out the disciples by two so that if one fell the other would be there to pick him up. That person could be a family member or a friend who is just super special. It could be a parent or grandparent or a next-door neighbor or someone you went to school with 30 years ago. Often times we look up to them and live in such a way to bless them.
But sadly, as men grow middle-aged and older they have a tendency to socially retreat. Loneliness can take hold and men can fall into a state of quiet desperation. Many never acknowledge or know what’s happening as they are so consumed with producing and providing. Our spouse can provide great emotional intimacy, and I am not talking about sexual contact, but men need other men who have experienced what they have and will walk with them as they seek God’s solutions and remedies for this host of feelings that are often left unattended.
Many men are left diminished in one sense or another because of the way they were raised. Perhaps their dad wasn’t there for them and they never learned to fully open up emotionally to other men. Many were never taught to listen, we just get busy trying to fix things. A men/women’s group can offer that type of understanding and emotional intimacy and Christian direction we all need and inwardly crave. Many are afraid to go out of fear and uncertainly. Society has actually emotionally handicapped men by restricting their emotional range. The fact is we don’t need permission we just need a little courage and faith in God. He will guide and direct you if you will just step out.
The Bible uses this wonderful story of Jonathan and David who during very turbulent times were able to hold to their friendship and be a support to one another. God uses relationships in our lives to love us, support us and help us grow in serving others. Just like two pieces of iron rubbing together will make both pieces sharper.
Two friends, two relationships that come together in a loving relationship will always make each of them stronger. Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron as one man sharpens another”.
Will you pray this week about joining a group to get connected. Will you pray about opening up more and being the person God created you to be?
You’ll never walk alone. Only Boys Aloud
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFr8mPh9wyk&list=RDVhrxRccU3Lw&index=6
