You and Your Relationship With God

Many people feel they have a right relationship with God. They mistakenly believe their relationship with God supersedes the necessity for obedience. However, this could not be further from the truth. It is important for us to remember that there are many aspects of the Christian’s relationship with God in scripture. We will examine some of the aspects of a relationship with God and to determine what our role in this relationship is.

Let’s begin with the relationship of love. In Matthew 22:37, we are commanded to love God. This love must be based on our obedience, John 14:15; 21:23-24. On the opposite end, the lack of obedience constitutes a lack of love on our part. Then there is the relationship of friendship with God. After all, Jesus considers us His friends, John 15:14-15. We should know that our friendship with Jesus is dependent upon our obedience. The lack of obedience stands in the way of our friendship with Jesus.

Another type of relationship is the relationship of family. Thankfully, we are in God’s family, Ephesians 3:14-15. Jesus taught that those who obey the will of God are more His family than His own flesh and blood relatives, Matthew 12:46-50. We have a relationship with God as His children, Galatians 3:25; John 1:12. Everyone is the child of either God or Satan, 1 John 3:10. The children of God manifest themselves in obedience to God’s will. The wrath of God is in store for the children of disobedience, Ephesians 5:6; Colossians 3:6. In this family, God is our Father, 2 Corinthians 6:17-18. Our relationship with God as our Father and as His children depends on obedience, as well.

And yet another type is the relationship of fellowship. Christians have fellowship with God, 1 John 1: 3.We cannot claim to have fellowship with God while walking in sin, 1 John 1:6. Our fellowship with God is dependant upon our obedience to His will. While we are at it, there is the relationship of the bondservant. Many Christians in scripture were said to be bondservants of Christ. For instance:
1) Paul, Romans 1:1; Galatians 1:10; Philippians 1:1; Titus 1:1.
2) Epaphras, Colossians 4:12.
3) Timothy, Philippians 1:1.
4) Peter, 2 Peter 1:1.
5) James and Jude, James 1:1; Jude 1.

We are exhorted to conduct ourselves like bondservants, 1 Peter 2:15-16. What is a bondservant? The best definition I could find is “devoted to another to the disregard of one’s own interests.” On its basic level a bondservant is simply following your master to complete disregard of your own will, emotions, and desires. To put it into contrast of being a Bondservant of Christ, it means a complete and utter devotion to God, His word, and His will. It is disregarding your own desires and will in all things to lay your life at the Cross and follow Christ. It is not being perfect, yet it is a dedication to following God in all things.

Paul gave instructions to bondservants, Ephesians 6:5-6. Our bond service must come from our hearts. Christians are called to bond service, 1 Corinthians 7:22-23. Our liberty in Christ Jesus is through our voluntary bond service.

This naturally leads us to the master/servant relationship, which is similar to bond service relationship. In this case, our Master is Jesus Christ, Matthew 23:8-10. Another term used in scripture to mean ‘Master’ is ‘Lord.’ In Luke 6:46, Jesus asks why one would call Him Lord but not obey Him. We have been told that no man can serve two masters, Matthew 6:24. And, that those who do not obey God do not have the right to call Him Lord and Master.

Hopefully, those in relationships know each other. After all, God knows His own, 2 Timothy 2:19. Those who claim to know God but disobey Him are untruthful, 1 John 2:3-5. Needless to say, if we do not know and obey God, He does not know us, Matthew 7:21-23.

Taking all of this into perspective how is your relationship with God?
1. Do you love God?
2. Are you a friend of God?
3. Are you in fellowship with God?
4. Are you a child of God?
5. Is God your Father?
6. Is Jesus your Lord and Master?
7. Do you know God?
8. Does God know you?

If you have obeyed and are continuing to be obedient to God, then the answer to all of these questions is yes. As in any relationship, there is a role to play with both participants. If only one party in a relationship is fulfilling their role, then the relationship either does not exist, or will fade away and die due to a lack of participation. Our obedience to God is the foundation upon which all aspects of our relationship with God is built.

Do you have a right relationship with God? This is a question every accountable person must ask. A one way relationship with God is not good enough. You may have a relationship with God in your own mind, but if you are not obedient to His will, He has no relationship with you and your relationship with Him is not right.

Scripture: 1 John 2:1-5

Let's pray:

Heavenly Father, I pray that You would bring a breakthrough in my relationships. Lord I so desire healthy relationships that would draw me closer to You and not away from You. The struggles I am going through seem so difficult, but You have all the answers to my life's problems. Help me to communicate better dear Lord and to learn to be more giving. Amen

Have a blessed day,

Lindsay