Getting My Most Important Relationship Right
Proverbs 3:5-8, 13-18, 31-35
The lessons this month all relate to extraordinary relationships. For Christians, the most important relationship, and the one that affects all others, is the one we have with Jesus Christ. That one relationship is fundamental and foundational to every other relationship we have. It is imperative, then, that we get this relationship right.
The first section of verses begins with one of the more familiar passages in the Proverbs: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart – .” Think about the people you trust. What type of relationship do you have with them? How did you get to the point where you trusted them?
Trust requires a close relationship. This trust relationship does not just happen. It requires effort on our part. Just as you would spend time with anyone with whom you desire a relationship, you must spend time with God. Spend time in prayer. Spend time in Bible study. Spend time seeking Him.
Trusting in God means that you know that He knows what is best for you – He wants what is best for you. As we spend time with Him, He shows us His design for us. God created us with the ability to think and reason, but all our decisions must be made in light of what God shows us as we relate to Him. We show our trust by our obedience.
Proverbs includes many verses related to wisdom. As we seek God’s will for our lives, the wisdom we receive from Him is of great value. The writer of this proverb describes the worth of wisdom in terms of precious jewels and metals. The benefits of wisdom listed include long life, riches, honor and peace.
When we display wise behavior, these are often benefits – but we should remember that they are not guarantees. There are times when choices, behaviors or decisions beyond our control will intervene, and we may not experience these blessings. Wisdom will eventually lead to blessing, although it may not be immediate. Our happiness comes not from the expected benefits, but from knowing that we are being obedient.
In the final set of focal verses, we see a contrast between a perverse or evil person and one who is upright or righteous. The Lord detests the evil one, but He blesses and honors the righteous man.
Again, a close, ongoing relationship with God is needed so that we are not counted among those who are mocked and cursed by God. We must keep our focus on Him and His ways. We must be careful about the things we seek. We should not envy those who are not walking in right relationship with God. Above all, we should desire God, His wisdom and His ways.
Register– Lessons in the BSL series for the winter quarter are being written by Laurie Register, executive director-treasurer of Woman’s Missionary Union, SCBC.