Disciplemaking | Blue Collar Theology

Pseudo Relationships Abound!

If we remain too busy and our lives keep screaming ahead, we probably won’t know the difference.

“I Love You,” is a meaningful set of words, but often the catch phrase should read, “If you stay in your box and are available when I need you and what I need you for.”

We live in a generation that has no shortage of communication opportunities. All of our technical world is about building better communication. We can Twitter, Facebook, FaceTime, Skype, Google, Text, e-mail and oh I almost forgot telephone, and yet I’m not sure if our relationships are better or have gone any deeper.

There is no doubt about it, relationships are a challenge. They take time, energy, skill and effort.

To have a relationship for real where we can know and be known is rare. So, the temptation is very real for us to have relationships that are “me-time.” ‘If you fit the box of what I determine, then we can have relationship. If not then maybe we can…text…or something. “Call me and we’ll do lunch.”

The bottom line is I want control. But, your bottom line is that you want the same. If I want to control you and you want to control me, chances are great that there will be no authentic relationship and the love that should flow.

I believe that we are built to be authentic and to have vulnerable and intimate relationships. I think deep inside we crave it.

Jesus taught that the second is like the first, “Love your neighbor as I have loved you.” You might want to notice that he didn’t say, “When your neighbor loves you, then you love.” He left the responsibility on the one who is hearing his words or in this case reading.

If that’s the measuring line, how many of us live as Christian? Do I? Do you?

Over my life I have had the opportunity on a few occasions to know some very wealthy people. These people probably were able to travel every day to Texas and back to get their Starbucks, and not even feel it in their accounts.

During my time with them it didn’t stand out, but later while observing and conversing with others all of a sudden it reminded me of something that was missing with these wealthy friends.

It showed up as people who didn’t have that kind of wealth but wanted me to think that they did. They would constantly drop hints about how much they were making and how often they were spending and where their illustrious buys were landing them.

The extremely wealthy didn’t do that.

Why?

Because they didn’t have to. The difference was that they actually had the money and goods. They didn’t need to concern themselves that I would know that. It didn’t matter and they were secure without anyone giving their support.

I developed through this example a little axiom that I use now and cross many lines with it in my thinking.

“Only those who don’t have it have to flaunt it.” I’ve seen it hold true.

How does that play out in the area of spiritual life?

People who are connected with God don’t have to let everyone else know that they are. They don’t have to drop hints like “In my prayers at 4:00am this morning the Lord told me…” “God told me this, God told me that…” you get the picture. They aren’t just explaining, they are posturing and flaunting.

People who are connected with God and walk in the spirit actually do it. They don’t have to posture, they don’t have to prove, they just do it. They are who they are, authentic and true. They know God and radiate him through their life.

So how about you? Do you just “Have to say,” or, are you?