Created For Relationships

Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, in our likeness…
Genesis 1:26

"Our image…Our likeness…” Plural… Our God is a relational God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The basis of our creation is God’s relationship likeness. But that is only half the story. If you remember in Genesis during the 6th day of Creation, God formed Adam from the dust of the ground and breathed into him the breath of life and placed him in the Garden of Eden.

It was a beautiful and safe paradise. There was no war, famine or stress. God gave Adam everything he needed to enjoy life and a close relationship with his Creator. But in chapter 2 God realized something was missing. Of all his creation – the light, stars, planets, plants, animals, fish and man, there was one thing that was not good. The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. (2:18) So from Adam’s rib God formed Eve. It was love at first sight. This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman.

We were created for relationships. We have a longing to be with someone, to be wanted and loved. Dr. Allan Schore of the UCLA Medical School has found that right from birth our basic genetic structure within the brain is hardwired to form emotionally connected relationships. I have yet to hear anyone come to the end of their life and say, “I wish I had spent more time at the office and less time with my family and friends.” If anything, the great regret often heard, is that one didn’t spend enough time with other people.

Developing and maintaining relationships is necessary not only in our personal lives, but also in the life of a church. Our theme this year at Princeton is “Building Better Relationships.” As Christians, our Lord commanded us to “go into all the world and make disciples of all nations…” Discipleship at its heart is a relational thing. Through this Great Commission, Jesus essentially tells us to go into our communities and build better relationships. I hope you will join us as we make a fresh commitment this year to live out this calling invidually and as a church.

Triune God, fill our hearts with the love of Jesus Christ and his saving grace, so that we can build better relationships in our lives and in our community. Through Jesus Christ. Amen.

In His Word,
Reverend Dee Dee