Sunday Omori
And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” (Genesis 2:18 – New King James Version)
Looking at the Bible passage above, what easily comes to mind is husband and wife relationship, however, we will discuss it from a perspective beyond couples. God knows the benefits of relating and working with others to achieve desired results in life. He works with His company of angels to interact with man. So it is dangerous to embark on the journey of life alone. Great achievers in various life endeavors are those who invest in people and relationships. There is little one can achieve alone except the impact is meant for the individual.
“The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.” (Psalms 68:11)
That vision you have or God has given to you can be achieved by associating with the right people who are committed to running with it.
Let us look at two types of relationships I have named vertical and horizontal relationships.
Vertical Relationship
Jesus Christ thought His disciples how to pray. This model prayer in Matthew 6:9, begins with, “Our Father which art in Heaven….” Heaven is God’s Kingdom where He dwells and rules in glory. It is common to see some Christians look up while praying to God or worshiping Him. Gazing at the sky while praying or worshiping seem to show that God is very far from His children. The Kingdom of God is in every believer. God dwells in the heart of every believer. His Spirit is in, with and for every believer. Hence, I describe vertical relationship as the relationship between God and a believer – seeking, serving and interacting or walking with the Spirit of God through Jesus Christ.
God is known as the Most High, however, He condescends to relate with His children on earth. It takes faith to relate with God. It is impossible to please God without believing in His integrity and ability. A believer’s connection with God guarantees all-round fruitfulness. Jesus declares in John 15:5 that without Him, a believer can achieve nothing in life.
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
As we stay connected with God, He helps us to develop cordial and long lasting relationships with people in our environment. God releases wisdom to those who relate with Him to enhance their relationships in the family, business, career, ministry or other life endeavors. God helps His children to carry the burdens of life. So many people have not yet entered into a relationship with God thereby laboring and handling the challenges of life alone.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
God is always in the business of directing people to favor His children. A man woke up one morning and he heard God say, “Buy milk and deliver to a family in your neighborhood.” He didn’t have peace of mind until after delivering the can of milk to the family God spoke to him about. By obeying God’s directive, he saved a child that almost died of hunger. The parents of this child hitherto prayed to God to provide their daily bread and God intervened through a neighbor.
If you are yet to enter into a relationship with God, you need to do so because your human connections may not work without Him. You are alone when you have not received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior because you are yet to belong to God’s family. You can start relating with God by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Say this prayer of salvation: Dear Lord Jesus, come into my heart. I accept You as my personal Lord and Savior. I believe you died and rose again to save me. I declare that I am born again. I receive the gifts of forgiveness and righteousness. Thank You for accepting and glorifying me. Amen!
Horizontal Relationship
It is very important to build relationship with people within and outside your environment. Invest time to interact with and know the people around you and more importantly give them the opportunity to know you. Horizontal relationship is about connecting with people. I am particular about people who can speak for you as well as add value to your life because one’s association could result in success or failure in life.
Relationship is a currency that can change one’s position for good. Investing in the right relationships guarantees ones success in life. Stories abound of people whose associates incurred a significant proportion of expenses during events or ceremonies. Whatever money can buy, relationship can buy. On the other hand, whatever you cannot pay for, relationship can pay for. Carla Harris said, “Relationship currency is the currency that is generated by the investments you make in the people in your environment.” (TED)
In conclusion, the healthier the relationship of a believer with God the greater the success in life. Relating with God guarantees a believer’s ultimate salvation – living with God in the new earth. Relationships can help you access favor and endorsements.
HEM Int'l 