As I wrap up this “What’s Next” series, one of the things I want to emphasize is relationships. You’ve heard the saying “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.” Your relationships reflect who you are. This is not to say the people you associate with reflect your own nature, as you should able and willing to witness to everyone God calls you to. I mean you should have healthy and wholesome relationships. Look at Proverbs 27:19: “A mirror reflects a man’s face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses.”
What kinds of “friends” should you choose? There are four kinds of relationships I want you to focus on when asking yourself this question. Firstly, focus on nurturing relationships that are most important to you. For example, if you’re married, that should be one of your most important relationships! Your marriage needs extra nurturing. Your relationship with God is your MOST IMPORTANT relationship, one you should work on every day. Working on your relationship with God will help your relationship with your spouse.
Next, choose to restore broken relationships in your life. This could be a close friend or family member you’ve had a falling out with. Do you have people you need to reconnect with? Ask God to help you reach out to them!
Even though I just emphasized restoring relationships, you do need to know when to walk away. If a relationship has become ungodly or abusive, it’s probably time to walk away. Just because you’ve forgiven someone doesn’t mean you need to take him/her back or have a relationship. God will guide you through these kinds of situations and help you make the right decisions.
Finally, risk being real! This starts by not being a loner. God made you to have relationships with others, and you can be more effective in ministry with others. There’s power in numbers! Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Having strong, Christian friends you can be real with helps you with all other relationships. Be transparent; honestly is the best policy!