To Quix and All: Maybe a bit off topic, but received this in email and found it to be moving and edifying.
This is from a pastor in Kitwe Zambia.
The Importance of Relationships
Stephen Mwakibinga
August 5, 2005
Many things that we call relationships are nothing more than convenience. We have hirelings, employees, running mates, partners but few become real relationships. Relationships are the bonds which grow as we walk together, talk together, and also dwell together.
What holds people together in ministry? There are at least three things.
1. It takes agreement
Amos asks, "Can two walk together unless they are in agreement?" (Amos 3:3). It takes agreement, it takes a common vision. They must agree to walk together. What do they agree on? They must agree on the destination, they must agree on the issues that bring them together.
2. It takes peace
It is not just a common vision, and agreement. David shows us this. "The men of Benjamin and Judah came to David at the stronghold. And David went out to meet them and answered them and said to them, "If you have come peaceably to me to help me." " (1 Chr. 12:16).
It takes peace. Shalom is blessing given by God when two dwell in unity. (Psalm 133:1-3).
3. It takes honour
The third element is honour. To walk together and stay together, there needs to be an honouring of one another. Abishai was honoured more than all the others, and as a result he became the leader of the Three, and the head of the army (1 Chr. 11:21).
Every relationship will be tried and tested.
David had many people around his life. He had counselors, advisors, captains and chiefs. His family came with him to Adullam, his mighty men followed him through to Ziklag. But in Psalm 38:11 he laments, "My loved ones and my friends stand aloof from my plague, and my relatives stand afar off". There are times when we are down, when things have turned against us and are not going our way. Do we have "fair weather" friends? People who only abide when it goes well with us - then they are not real friends.
Does your plague, do your wounds drive them away? True friends stand by you through thick and thin, and if you are wounded, they will bring the balm of healing to you. How troublesome it is when all flee us in our time of trouble.
"Many good things are found in bad places"
You can find many treasures behind enemy lines. When David was thirsty and hungry he had some very faithful friends. They heard him cry for water, they broke through enemy lines and pursued water for David (1 Chr. 11:17). They risked their lives for him. These are true friends, who will risk something for you, who will endure pain on your behalf. There is no reward for them, except to see you happy.
"All good things will be tested by fire"
Every good thing that you find, every good relationship will be tested by circumstances and fire. Jesus is a wise master builder, and He tells us we are going to see testing (1 Cor. 3:11). Not every relationship is going to stand the test of time. Some will be burned away, and you will need to let them go.
God builds in three ways.
Rick Godwin has made this statement, "God will build revelationally, God will build relationally, and God will build generationally".
It takes a revelation to bring people together,especially if they meet when you are down, or "plagued". It took a revelation to call Nathaniel to Jesus. Jonathan had a revelation that David would be the next king and he would not. Even two people courting will be "struck" by one another and fall in love. They will have their eyes opened, and see the beauty and cherish each other.
God will build relationally. The only things that are going to last are built on love, not convenience; on commitment not on want or need. Love expresses itself through relationships. These cannot last except with love
(1 Cor. 13).
God will build generationally. Anything that has lasting value is carried forward through generations. Sonship is central to the way things will carry on. God is called the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
God builds in three kinds of relationships
There are three kinds of relationship that last.
1. Covenant
Covenant is central to the way God relates to His people. He is a covenant keeping God. These are expressed in marriage, in friendship, and in business.
2. Sonship
Sonship positions you to receive inheritance, as long as you remain submitted to the will of your father. Sons are not like hirelings, they will not run away when hard times come.
3. Kingdom
God sends kingdom relationships. The issue of being sent is central to kingdom relationships. Apostles are sent ones, prophets are sent ones. God is going to send you divinely appointed men and women. He may also send you strategically into other people's lives. Be watching for kingdom connections!
Conclusion
Relationships are key to survival in ministry. But not everyone who calls themselves "friend" will stay when the going gets tough. It takes three things to come together, and to stay together: Agreement, peace, and respect.
Every relationship will be tested by fire. Trial, sickness, and stress will test people's faithfulness.
God builds revelationally, relationally and generationally. He builds into three kinds of relationships: Covenant, sonship, and kingdom relationships.
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Stephen Mwakibinga is the senior pastor at All Nations Harvest Ministries in Kitwe, Zambia. He oversees 8 churches. This article was transcribed from his recent message at the leadership conference run by Storm Harvest in Kitwe.
Excellent. Sent to my email list.
And, I think, fitting in terms of considering our relationship with Israel.
"Relationships" by Pastor Kitwe Zambia
MARKER.
I still think this is such an excellent document.
This is a particularly true line:
God will build relationally. The only things that are going to last are built on love, not convenience; on commitment not on want or need. Love expresses itself through relationships. These cannot last except with love
(1 Cor. 13).