Lifelong Relationships?!?

Today it seems that so many relationships are superficial, or as many like to say, seasonal!  I know there are many things “seasonal” in our lives, and not all relationships are permanent, or lifelong.  The Lord puts different people in our lives to help fulfil certain assignments and to be connectors that help bring us into new places and positions in life.  These are not necessarily “casual” relationships or friendships, they’re “seasonal” because the Father knows how to work out all things in our life for the good!

But what about marriage and ministry?  We’ve even seen the deterioration of marriage relationships, not just in the world, but in the church, especially in leadership ministry over the last years.  Because of performance driven ministry and seeking for power and position, many sell out their birthright and blessing by thinking that they need more than what God has given them to succeed.  Many pastors and leaders are not content because they believe that their spouse is not helping bring them to where they want to be.  What a deception!  I find that when I embrace the differences in my wife as positives that are just what I need to become balanced, that peace fills our lives and the Father accomplishes His will!

But what about in “ministry leadership” relationships?  Is “what God hath joined together, let no man put asunder” just concerning marriage?  Are not we, as the body of Christ, married to the Lord, and because of that, are we not members one of another?  Obviously, the marriage relationship is unique in that it’s God’s ultimate intention that one man and one woman be joined together in holy matrimony for life!  And nothing glorifes the Father more, even in failure, when a man and a woman decide that they would rather glorify God and work together as being one, than be more concerned about their own feelings or welfare.  My parents will have been married 69 years this coming Sept. 17, 2012 and for almost five years my dad has taken care of my mom at home just like you would care for a baby.  He doesn’t do it or look at like a duty, but it comes naturally because for so long they have cared for one another and loved each other.

But in closing, I’m concerned about true relationships in leaders in ministry.  Is it not real anymore that strong leaders and saints that are called together not be able to remain stedfast to the end, loving, caring, and supporting one another in biblical truth?  Has the Father not ordained that we are His workmanship created unto good works to glorify Him?  What about people who break covenant because of correction or because they no longer feel like they’re receiving the attention they believe they deserve?

Many today throw away spiritual fathers and sons without regard today, where there is such a sacred trust and bond in these relationships.  Paul wrote in I. Thess. 5:23- “Know (recognize) those that labor among you, that are over you in the Lord, and admonish you.”  He also wrote in 2 Timothy 4:16-  “At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me:  I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.”  Even in being deserted while in prison, He still was praying for forgiveness, and understood that most people look out for themselves only, and not on others.

I’m saying, in difficult times and in plain impasses where someone is determined to get their way, or refuse to forgive an offense, could we not reclaim the love of the Father and receive one another, just as He receives us?  No, everyone is not involved in your destiny and many people and ministers many be seasonal, but help us to know that there are those “covenant relationships” that the Father has desired that if we walk with them to the end, that He will be glorified and the generations can be blessed!!

JB