Day 9: Lone Rangers Are Dead Rangers

Scripture

A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all sound judgment.

Proverbs 18:1

Devotion

Every one of us must understand that the quality of our success in every area of life will be dependent upon the quality of our relationships. Any king who thinks he can fulfill his destiny without several strong, intimate relationships is a fool. I cannot put it any plainer than that.

We were made in the likeness and image of God (Genesis 1:26) and God is a relationship! Think about it: He is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. So in essence, although all three are one, they are still each a distinct and unique Person, each engaged in a relationship with each other. It’s a mystery, and difficult to wrap our minds around, but that doesn’t make it less true. The very essence of the Trinity is perfect relationship. In addition, when God walked on this planet, He was all about relationships. Jesus cherished His time with the 3 (Peter, James, & John), with the 12 Apostles, and with the 70 who were mentored by Him and sometimes even were sent out into ministry. If Jesus needed the support and comradery of friends, how much more do we?

Application

Every believer must make it a priority to build and to nurture vulnerable and God-centered relationships. These people around you will sharpen you, keep you accountable, and inspire you to be all you can be. They will be there to celebrate your greatest victories and to support you through your toughest trials. Make it a point today to reach out and nurture the God-given relationships in your life.

Prayer

God, help me to open my heart and life to you and to other believers in my life. Help me to prioritize relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ. Instead of projecting my strengths, help me to be honest with my weaknesses, so that I might know the strength of Christ in Christian relationships. Thank you Jesus for your body, help me to build my life surrounded by it. In Jesus name, amen.