Life is a struggle. Rich or poor, young or old, sick or healthy, this culture or that...we all have to struggle to live in right relationships. September 19th's sermon focuses on the struggles found in relationships and the great benefit that can be had through right ones. Cultural differences can complicate, however you will see that culture does not have to be an obstacle as long as we live in order to please God. If you take time to meditate on the scripture references mentioned and take personal responsibility for all your relationships you will obtain great benefit.

One of the greatest struggles in life can be found in the area of relationships. Our Lord has much to say about it, the bottom line being that strengthening right relationships is pleasing to God. Succeeding in this area ultimately leads to unity as described in Jesus prayer for the saints,  John 17:20-25 ( also article on Unity). Note that cultural differences do not have to be a roadblock to building relationships. Consider this example, in the preparation for October's trip to Sri Lanka, we looked at previous conferences and discovered some interesting differences. On that particular journey Pastor Marlo was sharing with a group of pastors and their wives about the strengthening relationships to one another. Talking to husbands regarding the giving of flowers - an accepted cultural tradition in Canada - generated laughter in Sri Lanka. This behavior, the giving of flowers as gifts, is not practiced in Sri Lanka because it is associated more with funeral homes. Although there are many differences between the two cultures, there are other things that are the same. An example, in this case would be the sharing of the Word of God (note, if you look at the Epistles much of it is dealing with relationships). Effectiveness is not because of the similarity or dissimilarity of cultures but rather because that the Word of God is being shared.

The long standing war in Sri Lanka between the 2 people groups is evidence of a relationship problem and now even though the war is officially over, there is still not unity either. However, the good news is that God sent His Son to reconcile us to God, and also, man to man.

As mentioned earlier, the Epistles have much to say about relationships. The apostle Paul is dealing with this in Colossians and says in order to relate properly to each other we should put on or "...clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience...and over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity...let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..." Colossians 3 (NIV). If you have these attributes you will have a much easier time relating to people, if you don't it will be difficult.

Your experiences may have taught you that the more you know the more you can speak, the less you know the more you should listen. Consider the following, the apostle says "...devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful...". In this instance the apostle Paul is talking about our personal relationship to God...talking to God and listening. Keep in mind as suggested earlier that the more a person knows the more others should listen. That is why prayer(talking to God) should be not just about speaking, but more about listening. Paul is saying that if you want to have good relationships,first with God, second with others, devote yourselves to prayer. What does devote yourself to prayer really mean? The word devotion means that you commit yourself to it and you don't allow anything to interrupt that time, that requires discipline. You must take personal responsibility for it.

References: Acts 17, 1 Thessalonians 2:1

In the 2-3 week visit Paul encouraged and taught the saints, many of whom accepted Christ but there were others present who stirred up things to the point of causing a riot. Paul showed his concern for their well being in 1 Thessalonians 2: 17-19 describing his struggle and effort. In chapter 3 he goes on to say that later he was so concerned that he sent Timothy to strengthen and enourage their faith.

References: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2

As Christians our responisiblity is to live our lives to please God. Paul urges the Thesssalonians to do this more and more. There is no end.