It's Relational

VIDEO TAKEN AT MAXXEDD OUT YOUTH CONFERENCE IN ATLANTA GEORGIA.

RELATIONSHIP > RELIGION

Relationships are messy. Think about it. As you devote time, energy, and investment into a person or a group of people, chances are, you will find some serious issues on both sides of the coin, and yes that means you included. As I sit and ponder on the relationships in my life, I can't help but to be amazed by how God has orchestrated the whole thing. I always heard growing up, "If you show me your friends, I'll show you your future." It plays for some catchy word play and an unforgettable youth sermon, but the truth in this statement continues to show itself as I get older. I want to have meaningful relationships. One's that have purpose attached to them. When you make an investment into something, it is human nature to want a return on that investment immediately and if we don't receive that immediate gratification, we are tempted to write it off and move onto something else that will give us this satisfaction we are looking for. Relationships can be totally opposite of this though.

When I was in college, I had a close friend of mine that was not anywhere close to being a good influence on my life. He was the life of the party and everyone loved to be around him, but his morals may have been a little shaky at this point in our lives. He is the kind of guy, that when he speaks, you were waiting on the edge of your seat for the punchline because you knew it was going to be crud and hilarious. I always had in the back of mind that I knew he was watching the way that I lived my day to day life. He began to strike up random conversations about God and ministry and how this all applies to life. His curiosity about these topics went on for months. All the while, I was inviting him to church and he never would make the move to come and check it out. I grew up in a baptist church and we would hold these annual events called "Homecoming." This was totally different than what a high school dance would like, just for the record. But this was a time for people who may not have came to church in a while to come and gather, have service, and eat fried chicken. When I tell you that we ate A LOT of food, it would make the Golden Corral look like amateur hour. I had the opportunity to preach at the church I grew up in for this particular homecoming, so I had the bright idea to ask my friend one more time to come with me and yes, I used the food as bait. IT WORKED!!! If there was one thing I knew about a person is the best way to their heart, is first through their stomach and I knew my friend liked to eat.

As I arrived to the church, I felt the Lord press on my heart to preach a totally different message that I had worked on a year prior. I started to feel some anxiety, but I trashed my other message and started rapidly going over my hand written notes that was a OCD person's worst nightmare. I could barely read what I had written. So I told the Lord, "If they don't invite me back, it's your fault, because this is going to be terrible." I felt so unprepared. I had a few verses and a dream. They were as followed; 'You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You are my friends if you do what I command. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. This is my command: Love each other. ' John 15:13-17. I preached my heart out. When it came time at the end of the message for the altar call, I announced to the crowd, "If anyone here today, feels lonely, and afraid, Jesus is inviting you into his home and to friendship." I thought I was watching the daytime show "The Price is Right" when they announce to the lucky winner to "C'MON DOWN!" People started moving from all areas of the church and in the back I see my friend stand up, make his way out of the pew, and down to the altar. Tears of joy began to fill my eyes and as I prayed with him, I felt a sense of relief on both sides. I felt relieved because I knew God has used this message to change lives and I was happy I got out of the way for Him to work and my friend for finding his best friend in Jesus and working toward his purpose.

Relationships are worth the investment. When you don't see an instant return, don't throw the baby out with the bath water. It took my friend 3 years to finally take the step of faith I was so desperately trying to get him to take. Many conversations, phone calls, prayer, and persistence finally broke through on that Sunday Morning. People need our investment so that God can use us to uncover their purpose and plan through Him. Relationships always win! Because we are better together.