In every relationship, it takes time and effort to develop a healthy and growing relationship. We need to give each other time and attention to keep a relationship alive and flourishing.
Time and effort also holds true in our relationship with Christ. The difference in this relationship is that God has made Himself always available. Therefore, any struggle in this relationship is due to the lack of investment of our time in the relationship. Furthermore, the relationship is not between equals. We are under his guidance and rulership. Our relationship with the Lord grows through obedience as well as intimacy. This is the part that causes confusion for some of us.
In terms of obedience, Jesus set the example when he told His disciples the following:
Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. John 5:19
Jesus came to this world with the goal of doing the will of the Father. He did not do anything on His own volition. He was not presumptuous to think that God would bless anything He did based on Jesus’ relationship with Him. This was evident when the devil tried to tempt Him. How did He know what the Lord desired for Him to do? It had to do with His level of intimacy.
For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. John 5:20
In verse 19, Jesus’ obedience is apparent, and this verse (20), shows that God kept revealing His will to Him. Jesus’ relationship to God was an intimate relationship that was filled with revelation of God’s heart. His obedience caused Jesus to be intimate with God, and in turn His intimacy allowed Him to know the will of the Father and obey His will.
Some of us have a tendency to rely on our intimacy with God while others rely on their obedience. The truth is that one cannot be done in exclusion of the other.
I will continue with this subject in the next devotional.
