I’m in a relationship…and it’s complicated

I love looking at the relationship status of my friends on facebook. For some, it seems their status changes quite frequently. You can see various status’s depending on the person, for some it will say “Single” for others it will say “Married”, some might even have “in a relationship” but I think my favorite is “in a relationship, and its complicated”. In thinking about these status’s I find my self in a real dilemma. You see, I am in this relationship, and it is complicated…it is truly very complicated…the relationship that I am talking about is my relationship with Jesus…

It is complicated because it changes the way that I deal with…

Others-the bible teaches us that if any man is in Christ…he becomes a new creation…this whole concept is complicated, my relationship with Christ should cause me to treat others differently. I am to love my neighbor, I am to be kind and compassionate, tenderhearted and forgiving. You might be thinking now…how is this complicated. It is complicated because of my own selfish sin nature. 2nd Corinthians 5:17 depicts a major change…I am here to tell you that the majority of the time, change creates complication. Many of your friends that knew you before Christ will not believe there is a change. They are always around to remind you of your former way life and that in it self can create complications. Other complications may surface because they make fun of your new life with Christ. They may have difficulties with your new beliefs, so your relationship with Christ can create complications for others.

My relationship with Jesus…

It is complicated because it changes the way that I deal with…

God-I am to love Him with all of my mind and with all of my soul and with all of my heart…where is the complication here? Is the complication God? Certainly not, the problem (complication) in this situation is me! You see, It is easy for me to get caught up with the things going on in my life. My selfish nature and desire are at war with my relationship with Jesus and this complicates things. It complicates things because in this relationship it truly is not about me, and it truly is all about God. This may sound so trite because many times people who claim to be believers know all of the right things to say. Many say its all about God, but fail to live out their lives like it is about Him. This complicates things because the people who are searching for the peace of God may not see peace in the life of a supposed believer.

My relationship with Jesus…

It is complicated because it changes the way that I deal with…

My self-I am supposed to die to sin and self…and surrender control to a Savior! This is complicated…it requires surrender and submission, this in it self is complicated because of my humanity. I have to be reminded that apart from God, there is nothing good at all about me! I have to be reminded that it is by Grace I am saved through faith, and I had nothing to do with it…it does not have anything to do with how good I now am, but it has everything to do with how good God always is. So you might be thinking ok, ok, I realize that our relationship with God can be complicated. What is a person to do? Let me give me some ways to un-complicate this relationship.

First, you need to commit your self to Him. You truly have to surrender control. Stop caring about what people think…and concentrate on what God thinks. Galatians 1:10 ask the question “Who are you trying to please?”

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Strive to please God first. If you make your relationship with God your top priority, all other relationships will be better.

Second, you need to communicate with God. How do you do that, through prayer and Bible Study. God’s word (the Bible) is capable of answering all of life’s questions. The Bible is God’s written revelation to us. So many are confused because of all that the world says about the Bible. This complicates the relationship. This is where faith, which is truly supernatural comes in. True faith changes the way that you see things. True faith un-complicates our lives. It is foundational, it is bed-rock, when you know that you know about your relationship with Christ, it becomes less complicated and you can walk in peace that comes from truly knowing you are in a relationship with the Savior.

Third, you can un-complicate things by simply caring. You can accomplish this by loving God…and the people He created. It is not always easy but essential in your growth as a believer.

I certainly hope this helps, praying for you all, Loving God…and His people! <><