Relationships

We need relationships. We need friends. We need love. We need communication.

Joe Trull recounts, "A rather crude and cruel experiment was carried out by Emperor Frederick, who ruled the Roman Empire in the thirteenth century. He wanted to know what man's original language was: Hebrew, Greek, or Latin? He decided to isolate a few infants from the sound of the human voice. He reasoned that they would eventually speak the natural tongue of man. Wet nurses who were sworn to absolute silence were obtained, and though it was difficult for them, they went by the rule. The infants never heard a word -- not a sound from a human voice. Within several months they were all dead."

Our very desire for life is associated with the need for love, affection, self-worth, and purpose. Relationships fulfill these basic needs in human beings. Our mental and physical health depends largely on our social interaction. For years, studies have shown that the Japanese are among the healthiest people in the world, largely in part to their social, cultural and traditional ties. Because they have more social ties, their health rate is better and their death rate is lower. Studies also support the fact that the more an individual is isolated, the more health problems they incur and the sooner they die.

With these thoughts in mind, consider God's purpose in the church. He has given us a loving family. He has given us the best kind of friends - people that care about us and who are dedicated to godly living. He has given us a sense of worth, proving our value through the death of His Son. He has given us a purpose, to communicate a saving message to a lost and dying world.

The more ties we have within the church, the healthier we will be. Consider the differences between the Sunday-only worshiper and the involved Christian. Who is spiritually stronger? Who is more eternally secure? Who is apt to receive more spiritual blessings? Who is making a bigger difference in the spiritual lives of others?

We not only have been called into the body of Christ, but we have an opportunity to make this calling very special! So challenge yourself to attend every service and Bible class! Challenge yourself to enjoy every opportunity for fellowship! Challenge yourself to build relationships within the church! Challenge yourself to speak to those outside of the church about the glorious body of Christ!

People are dying everyday, who have never heard that heavenly language. They need someone to speak to them, someone to care for them, some one to build a relationship with them. If we don't build that relationship, if we don't speak God's language...who will?

"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: 'Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?' Then I said, 'Here am I! Send me'" (Isaiah 6:8)