We were created to connect. God knows this. He intended this from the start. He longs for a connection with us. God formed us ‘in His image,’ different from every other creature on the planet. We alone have the capacity to enjoy a relationship with God, and with one another. “It is not good for man to be alone…” This was one of the first lessons given our race at creation. It is central to our joy, peace, and purpose in this life.
God’s enemy is keenly aware of this. He wants nothing more than to disrupt, derail or destroy our relationships. By doing so, he can rob us of the significance we were created for. This is central to the spiritual battle being waged for every soul. Will we accept God’s purpose and plan for our life, or will we lean on our own limited understanding and be duped into a life far short of the one for which we were intended?
Other people are not our enemies. They are not the reason we are depressed, or isolated, or in despair. God’s enemy wants us to think they are. If he can deceive us into this line of thought then, BAM, he’s just wrecked another relationship or vital connection in our life. This is the way families are torn apart, marriages are fractured, churches are split, and wars are started! It almost seems too simple, but it’s a strategy that has worked in keeping mankind at odds with one another for most of our history.
Just look at how Jesus identified the enemy: The evil one. The tempter. The prince of this dark age. The liar – indeed the father of lies. The god of this earth. The deceiver of the world. The accuser of the [believers]. The prince of the devils, The power of darkness. We know where evil comes from. We’ve all been tempted and unwittingly played into his schemes. These all were pointed at Satan and his demons, not at other people.
When we are divisive, cruel, unforgiving, judgmental, selfish, or unkind, we are buying into his lie, and operating by his design. It is not hard to see the enemy’s fingerprints and influence in our behavioral patterns. Apart from God, these are the natural and normal actions of all mankind. We’re all broken.
The attributes of God are reconciliation, redemption, and restoration. He came to earth as God the Son to restore our connection with the Father, and with one another. He taught us to forgive, to love our enemies, to overlook wrongs done against us, and to turn the other cheek. These are unnatural actions which can only be done by His Spirit living within us. They strengthen relationships, and help deepen a bond together.
God’s fingerprints and inspiration are easily recognized in a life surrendered to His Lordship. This intimate connection with God through His indwelling Spirit enables and empowers those He’s called, into extraordinary patterns of love, forgiveness, and submission, both to God and to one another.
These relationships are the treasure trove of the believer. Indeed, they are the riches in heaven we lay up for God, and the only thing we get to take with us, when we depart. Such relationships are gold and precious jewels – priceless in every way!
©Copyright Storm’s Eye Ministries, LLC 2023
flipyourfaith.com 