Relationship Matters
2 Chronicles 24
Now after the death of Jehoiada the princes of Judah came and paid homage to the king. Then the king listened to them. And they abandoned the house of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols. And wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs. Yet he sent prophets among them to bring them back to the Lord. These testified against them, but they would not pay attention.
2 Chronicles 24:17-19
How does that saying go? You can lead as horse to water, but you can’t make him drink. We can be taught and lead but ultimately, we must act ourselves. The same is true about our relationship with God. The bible is sort of like an instruction manual on how to live but if we don’t learn to seek God on our own, of our own accord and build a relationship with Him then we are missing out on a lot. It reminds me kids. If I give all these instructions and rules but there is no relationship, will the rules be a success? Probably not.
Kids will probably want to rebel against the rules. However, if the children are mine and we have a close relationship and they know I love them, cherish them, and want what is best for them maybe (I surely hope!) the rules have more meaning. If we have all the rules but there is no relationship and trust, the rules will most likely be a failure.
Proverbs 22:6 says,
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
I train my children in the ways of the Lord, of course. They attend church with me, they pray with me, they see me pray with and over others, we attend events together, they know I serve others and we read/study the bible together. My hope is that they follow in my footsteps. But I know that none of the actions will mean anything unless they develop their own relationship with God. Not just checking the boxes. One thing I know I can do better is talk to my kids about my struggles/trials/testimonies. Share with them not only things I have overcome but the things I am struggling with.
Talking to them about how I sin and how Jesus helps bridge the gap between me and God. Through these conversations I demonstrate that some of God’s rules/guidelines are hard for me too. But that when I know how much God loves me and how much he wants good for me…maybe it makes it a bit easier for me to see where He is coming from.
As my kids get older, it is important that I show them how to seek relationship with the Lord on their own. I think the best way do is show them what mine looks like with Him.
Lord, thank you for these words this morning. Thank you for the direction You provide and the path this will lead me down. I pray that my children will seek after your heart and crave a relationship with you. That they will not just check boxes but engage, learn and grow through you and with you. Keep doing work in me so that I can show them the walk and they will follow in my footsteps. In your name I pray, Amen.
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