Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14 (emphasis added)
We began Tuesday considering how these verses provide a “nudge” regarding plans for a new year. Though there is nothing spiritual about New Year’s Day, each new year affords us an opportunity to do some things of spiritual value. We considered doing something of spiritual value, and something of physical value. Today let’s think of somethings of relational value.
God created us to be social creatures as evidenced by His words in Genesis 2:18: "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him."
The first God-ordained relationship was between husband and wife. No matter how this sinful world insists on redefining this, God’s one and only design for this relationship is marriage between one man and one woman, who become one flesh, for life. I will not suggest specifics, but I would challenge you who are married to read Ephesians 5:21-33. You might even want to read it aloud together and ask the Lord how He might want you to renew your commitments to holy matrimony this year.
The second most important relationship springs from the first. I speak of the relationship between parents and children. Reread the following verses and ask the Lord how you are doing with your parents and with your children. Are there things the Lord would have you do to be faithful to His Word with regard to these relationships?
Exodus 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
Ephesians 6:1-4 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land." 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Lastly, we read about the Lord’s plan for relationships beyond family.
Mark 12:31 The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."
Neighbors include both friends and enemies. Among other things the Lord might want you to do, begin by asking yourself if there is animosity, unforgiveness, or bitterness with anyone (whether you are to blame or not), and if you can do anything to make this verse a reality:
Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
There are some relational matters that we might all need to give prayerful thought to in the coming New Year.