When I am involved in a conversation, I often find myself with self-centered thoughts. How can I turn this conversation to me? Can I say something brilliant to get them to respect me? What are they missing that I can add to this topic? Many of my thoughts concern efforts to draw the attention of others toward me.
Dozens of essays and papers have been written on the topic of relationship goals. These articles want us to consider what we want out of each relationship. While sometimes the goals are intended for mutual growth, oftentimes these objectives are more selfish, considering only what I can get out of this relationship. We are encouraged to think about where the relationship will take me.
God has a completely different idea about relationships. He wants us to consider what can benefit the other person, and beyond that, what could benefit others impacted by this relationship. Hebrews 10:24 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”
What would happen if we viewed our relationships with these goals, stirring up love and good deeds? Increasing love in our community would be one welcome benefit. A move to doing more good works for others would benefit us all. Less selfishness would reduce quarrels and thereby decrease anger. Let’s make our primary relationship goals to be stirring up others, that is encouraging others to be more loving and doing more good for people. Living by the example Jesus set would be a start. Asking Him to help us be strong encouragers would give us the power to follow through.
Reluctant Retiree 