Many things vie for our attention and time. Godly relationships that are easy seem to always find time, but those that are more difficult seem to find excuses.
I list 5 here:
- Misaligned priorities
- Remember we do what’s MOST IMPORTANT to us at any given moment (that is not the same as doing what we WANT to do most at any given moment).
- If cultivating godly relationships is more about us, our enjoyment, etc., rather than God’s glory, our focus can easily misguide us.
- If godly relationships are not a priority we will not put forth the effort to cultivate them.
- The urgent pushes out the important. Unless we make conscious, intentional effort – it just won’t happen.
- Laziness – We all have a long list of excuses to hinder cultivating Godly relationships. We have to decide whether to use those excuses or ignore them.
- Cliques – exclusive groups are death to godly relationships and to community. It is our responsibility to invite others along.
- Gossip
- “A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends.” Proverbs 16:28
- Unsafe people break confidences and talk about it to others. Gossip is destructive to relationships, destructive to churches, destructive to the reputation of Jesus Christ.
- Don’t instigate gossip. Don’t participate in gossip.
- Intimacy illusion
- Beware of the misuse of social media. It can be good when used appropriately but in many ways social media, email and texting are breeding isolation.
Be on guard. Cultivation requires removing the rock and boulders that will hinder growth. Pursue Christ and then pursue godly relationships with others.
Written by Diane Hunt: Diane serves on the board of America’s Keswick and is the Executive Director & CEO of Changed Choices, a Christian non-profit in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
