Mensa Otabil - Build Good Relationships
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So we’re looking at ways to practically live our lives as we begin a new year. Some of the steps we can take to make the year more fruitful and beneficial for us. As you know, this is our year of increase, and everything must go to a higher level.
Today, we focus on building good relationships, and we look at Psalm 133, verses 1 to 3. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of heaven descending upon the mountains of Zion, for there the Lord commanded the blessing, life forevermore. There is power in unity. God blesses unity; God blesses our agreement if it is positive, and He makes good things happen because of our relationships.
Our vision for 2022, the things you want to do, is linked to the kinds of relationships you build. The kinds of relationships you have will determine whether a blessing or a curse comes your way or whether God speaks a blessing to you or withdraws a blessing from you because relationships are critical to destinies. We need to nurture the right kinds of relationships. No matter how great you are, you can’t achieve everything by yourself. You are linked to somebody, and no matter how not great you are, the kind of relationships you have can help you achieve something greater than yourself. So relationships are critical to what we want to achieve in life.
Now, as we consider relationships, there’s something we have to be aware of. Some relationships are permanent; they are in your life-your siblings, your parents, people related to you, your spouse, and your children. These are permanent relationships. Sometimes they are good; sometimes they are not, but they are there, and you can’t do much about them. Then there are transitional relationships-people you meet at various points in life and then move on. Sometimes we can’t differentiate between what is a permanent relationship in our lives and what is a transitional relationship, as these will determine the investments you make in them.
If someone is in your life permanently, it means they are there for better or for worse; they can do you good or not, so you must pay attention to those relationships. Transitional relationships, like those you meet at school, fade away once you leave. And as great as they may seem, your current best friend may not be your best friend next year. The value of the relationship will determine the time you spend on them, so make time for the most important relationships in your life. The most important relationships are usually the permanent ones because they are the ones who stay when everybody else is gone.
If you have people who have been in your life for a long time, you need to invest in those relationships. However, sometimes someone can be permanently in your life and still cause permanent damage, which is why we must audit our relationships. There are some people you can’t let go of, but you must manage them better. Then there are others you can leave behind because they are not permanent in your life, and you can move on.
Put the right value on the right relationships; people who matter to you must matter to you. Here are some ways to make the most of your vital and permanent relationships: spend quality time with your spouse and children amidst all the busyness; honor your father and mother in practical ways; express your gratitude to people who have helped you along in life, whose contributions have made you who you are. Don’t just assume they know; tell them and do something meaningful. Cultivate a relationship with a mentor-someone who may not be permanent in your life, perhaps for a year or two, but can leave a lasting positive impact. If you find such a person, nurture that relationship. Make time for someone who needs your help; be a helper to somebody. Build good relationships, for they are the networks that take you to the next level.
Let’s pray. Say with me, «Heavenly Father, surround me with the right relationships. Help me to put the right value on the right relationships. In Jesus' name, Amen.» I’ll catch you again tomorrow. I’m Pastor Mensa Otabil. Shalom, peace, and life to you.