In Relation to...

What if the point of relationship is...relationship?

What I mean is, instead of treating relationships as if they serve some sort of purpose, what if we just learned to enjoy them for their own sake?

In the business world we've developed the art of networking. Simply put, networking is where you set out to meet as many people as possible with the express intent of finding some way they can propel you forward. It looks like relationship, but most of the time it's really not. We tell everyone it's okay because both sides of the equation are aware of what the goal is. I'm not a big fan, but if that's how you really want to roll, have at it.

The problem is, this idea of using relationships for some other purpose easily creeps into the rest of our lives, often without us realizing it.

We use dating relationships (and marriage) for things like status, fulfillment, and satisfaction. We use parental relationships as a source of identity, or to give us a sense of being needed. These days, the number of friends or followers we have on social media can be a source of significance and give of us a (false) sense of self worth. Especially depending on who those friends happen to be.

Of course, not all of the things listed above are inherently wrong, it’s just that they should be by-products of our relationships rather than our focus and reason for having them.

How often do we enjoy a relationship for its own sake? When's the last time you set out to spend time with someone because like being with them and for no other reason?

We live in an age that’s obsessed with doing, and if you live in the US like I do, you're more than likely surrounded by a culture that's doubly obsessed with it. We're losing the art of being in general, and I believe our relationships are suffering because of it.

What if we applied this same principal to our relationship with God?

How often do we spend time with Him to simply enjoy His company rather than to just

benefit from His attributes? His attributes are clearly wonderful by-products, but have they become our focus? When I feel like I need hope, joy, or love, isn't GOD HIMSELF what I really need? I realize this might sound like I'm splitting hairs, but I really don't think I am.