Relationships: The Key to Life

When I came as your pastor almost 4 years ago, I desired to make one important issue a priority. Something I had learned through experience as a pastor and minister is the significance of relationships.

There is a fine line and balance between those who isolate themselves and those who have to be with others all the time. Some may believe this occurs because of our personality differences. In other words, there are those who are “loner’s and those who are “the life of the party,” but Scripture disagrees. Some may be predisposed to one of these traits and vice versa, but our lives must have balance between both. Let me explain.

Proverb 18:1 says, “A man who isolates himself seeks his own way…” And again in Proverb 28:26, “Those who trust in their own insight are foolish…”

Loners not only tend to be selfish, they lack objectivity about themselves, others, and the world around them. Those on the other end of the personality spectrum who are loud and impetuous receive similar warnings from the Proverbs: “…laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains” (Ch. 14:13). This reminds me of Robin Williams who once told someone privately that he was miserable and alone. Proverb 25:17 states, “Don’t visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome…” As these Scriptures suggest, the loud, talkative, and “have to have someone around all the time” people have an emotional issue with loneliness and purposelessness.

The answer to both of these? Community and togetherness in Christ! This doesn’t just happen on Sunday mornings!!!!

As I sit here at a hospital in Corpus Christi awaiting a surgical procedure on one or our wonderful church members, I am reminded of the encouragement we receive from our relationships with Christ. Luke states, “All the believers were united in heart and mind…they shared everything they had…and God’s great blessing was upon them all…” (Acts 4:32-33) Did you get that? They were together in what they “felt” and what they “thought!” This is not referring only to doctrine, but there was a meld of personalities that acted out their faith towards one another! They were not concerned about themselves, but rather others. This is one of the major keys to successful relationships. When we become selfish, we either retreat into loneliness, or to “acting out” in front of everyone, but hiding what is underneath. I believe I can concur with Paul’s final words to the Romans, “We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the LORD…I am fully convinced, my dear brothers and sisters, that you are FULL of goodness. You know these things so well you can teach each other all about them.”(Romans 15:1-2,14) I believe that about you church – do you believe? Our role is to set an example that you might follow if you are not doing so already!

In His Service!

Dr. Cliff Sims