The "Work" in Relationships

Being friends with someone involves "give" and "take" from both persons.  If one person is doing all the giving and the other is taking all, it is NOT a relationship.  This is not easy whether it is a friendship or a marriage.

It is disturbing to witness or hear about married couples dividing up the housework, trying for a 50% balance.  You do your half and I'll do my half.  It never quite works out that way. It's easier if both persons are so in love they want to give 100%.  Sometimes one will do all the giving, at other times the other person will do all the giving.  And then they might help each other and it works out that both are finished with the work at the same time.

I thought of these things at church this morning.  Over the years, I've heard so many people say, "I don't get anything out of church."  They expect to be entertained at church.  But the purpose of church attendance is not to enjoy great music or powerful sermons or to have lots of friends or to show off your new clothes.  The reason to go to church is to worship God.  Another reason to go to church regularly is to give witness.  We go to increase our faith, to learn about our faith, and to share our faith.

What are some of the things we might do to 'get closer' to God?  We could try our best to focus on the heart of our worship and avoid distractions.  This is hard but we can always do better.  Some people can concentrate better if they just listen to The Word.  I seem to need to both read and hear all the readings.  In addition, we could try to prepare our hearts ahead of time for what is about to happen in our worship.   It helps to be in a faith-sharing group, to talk with others about what is important to us. And, think about your prayer life.  How could this improve?  The Bible says, "Pray always."

Our God gave his all for us and still continues to give 100% to us.  He very much loves us and wants a relationship with us.  It is up to us to respond to this wonderful love.  Are we willing to give our ALL to God?  This relationship, in the end, is the ONE that matters the most!!