Today’s Readings:
Romans 10:9-18
Psalm 19:2-5
Matthew 4:18-22
In your relationship with God, there are no days off. This is not a bad thing. Can it get boring? Yes, it can. When we think we have God all figured out, our walk with him becomes static, uneventful and predictable. But God is far from boring and we are in for an adventure of a lifetime. What is your idea of a perfect relationship? We are hopeful the moment we meet an exciting person, we think of all the possibilities that life with them can offer. But sooner than later we slip into morbid familiarity. We go from “talking stage” to silent treatment, from exclusivity to estrangement, from intimacy to eternal separation. A once inseparable pair soon becomes total strangers. Why does this happen or keep on happening?
Every relationship is founded on principles:
Encounter: The events which attended your first meeting.
Effective communication: Speak freely, respectfully and truthfully to the other person.
Set Boundaries: The dos and don’ts of your relationship.
Trust: Be vulnerable with the other person and reveal aspects of yourself which you consider secret.
Financial literacy: How to manage and maximise scarce resources.
Conflict Resolution: The willingness to mend fences after a disagreement or argument.
Shared beliefs and values: Same or similar views about faith and morality.
Compassion: Willingness to see things from the other person’s perspective, without questioning or hasty judgment.
If there is no steady growth in all these areas, it is only a matter of time before the relationship dies a natural death. With God, if we are unwilling to repent of our sins and embrace the virtues of prayer, truthfulness, trust, reliance on divine providence, frequent repentance, charity and self-disciple, our walk with Him begins to feel like a frustrating chore. You can transpose these principles to your relationships with family, friends and acquaintances. If they are not well-developed in your walk with God, neither will they be in your relationship with people. Family unity is soon replaced with conflicts, happy relationships and friends soon become utilitarian and self-serving and everyone is valued for how they serve my selfish needs.
As we celebrate the Apostle Saint Andrew, let us imitate the resolve with which he embraced Christ’s call to “Follow me”. Let us also imitate his resourcefulness which Jesus converted to “Fisher of men”. Let us also imitate his resolve to die for what he believes and realise that love isn’t true until it is willing to sacrifice something in exchange for what it has received. As we step into a new liturgical year, make the resolution to follow Christ daily, taking no days off but desiring to make progress in your spiritual journey and use it as a foundation for all other forms of relationship which God will call you into.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord, You are the true Master of time, affection and goodness. Help me to walk steadily with You as the Apostles did. Give me understanding when I stray. Give me contrition when I fail. Give me wisdom to see that there is nowhere better to be than by Your side all the time. Amen.
As I start strong with God, empower me to forgive quickly, act lovingly, trust completely and stay in His unfailing grace and it shall be well with me, in Jesus' name. Amen.
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