Wednesday, February 12, 2014

By: Brandon Bilbo

No One is Self-Made

1 John 4:19 We love each other because He loved us first.

I've met many people who take pride in their accomplishments and profess being "self-made" in their respective businesses. While their accomplishments are impressive, no one can REALLY make a claim to being "self-made."

Every one of us have had our diapers changed, were driven to school, and were taught by another at some point.

However, people often minimize the power of relationships. God is the originator of relationships and desires for us all to be in healthy, growing relationships.

In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, we learn of four purposes of relationships:

1)    There is SUCCESS in relationships.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other SUCCEED.

2)   There is HELP in Relationships.

Ecclesiastes 4:10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and HELP. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.

3)   There is COMFORT in Relationships.

Ecclesiastes 4:11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?

4)   There is STRENGTH in Relationships.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

I challenge you today to evaluate all of your relationships and identify whether you are inspiring success, helping, comforting and strengthening those God has placed in your life. Likewise, examine whether you have surrounded yourself with people who can do those same things for you and accept their friendship.

Dear Lord, Help me to love others as You have so graciously loved me!

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.

Reflection: Have I been the person God has called me to be to my friends and family?