I remembered that I didn't mention the purpose of relationships. (It's a broad topic, and I don't claim to be any kind of expert. It's just what I've been thinking about.)
31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."Whatever you do..."
(1Cor10.31)
Relationships need to be initiated with that mutual understanding of the purpose that all must be done for God's glory.
i just had a huge brain fart... so i'll cut to the chase and open the windows.
A couple of months ago, God gave me the privilege of encouraging one of my friends through a tough time. The concern was that we may not be able to see other friends and family in heaven (something that I was also wondering). now, I didn't know the answer to the question then and I still do not know, but as I explained my thoughts I could see how much the pure hope of heaven was being smudged by our own desires, the "If I were God, I would..."s. Even though there are sooooo many good things to be had on this Earth, there should be nothing getting in the way of our anticipation of worshiping God in heaven.
-short, but related tangent-
Besides the fact that love songs make up more than half (i counted them all up) of the songs we have within recent years, I've only realized that most of the songs that I really like are indeed those kinds of songs. The lyrics are nice, but for the most part I really enjoy hearing the musician's passion and love spill from their guitars and from their mouths (now isn't that, a pleasant image). With any incredibly strong feeling, like love, it's effects are obvious to anyone nearby. You know when one person likes another. You can tell when someone really needs revenge to satisfy themselves. It's easy to see when worship leaders do (and don't) believe in what they're singing. Love is powerful. Jesus died for us out of love. Love is powerful indeed.
-and we're back-
I've come to see love as a kind of attachment. You bond with a person on a deeper level, you miss them when they're gone, etcetcetcetcetcetera. In some cases, that kind attachment is good. In others however, I can see issues arise. You know what I realized? People die. All the time. and one day, that special someone of yours is going to pass away as well. Things like life and human love are fleeting. They're here. and then gone. It's a waste of energy to put so much time and effort into pleasing someone/something that will one day be gone. That's a lot of work for nothing.
Cynicism aside, we need to be pursuing relationships that are not only God-pleasing, but God-glorifying. weighty task, huh? Love for whoever God puts in your life is definitely not bad in and of itself and neither is caring for that "whoever", but when the desire to please/impress/attract that same "whoever" can rip your love of God to shreds, there's an issue that needs to be dealt with.
I'm going to give up my attempt to make sense of my brain mush for now. I promise you it made more sense a couple of hours ago.
:)
-Spencer-
