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In his book titled The Contemplative Pastor, pastor and author Eugene Peterson writes, “I am busy because I am lazy. I indolently let others decide what I will do instead of resolutely deciding myself.” Here, Peterson is making the point that when we allow others to tell us how to live every aspect of our lives without digging deep to identify our own gifting, talents, and life goals, we are being lazy. Yes, we may be busy. But we’re not actually living the full life God has created us to live.
This same principle may be used for relationships as well. Those who have many deeply connected relationships put in tremendous time and energy to cultivate those relationships. However, those who intentionally distance themselves from others, who struggle to feel deeply connected, who live a busy life without strong bonds to others – are effectively living in relational laziness.
Consider Jesus’ closest disciples for a moment. These twelve men had very little in common. If alive today, these were not the kind of people who would follow one another on Instagram or X/Twitter. Yet Jesus showed them how to more deeply connect with God and with one another. The world hasn’t been the same since.
READING & PRAYERS:
MARK 10:35-45, EPHESIANS 5:15-16 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: How would you currently assess the strength of your relationships with others? Are there any areas in which you may be living in relational laziness, intentional shying away from more deeply connecting with others?
DIGGING DEEPER: Consider studying out the different personalities of each of Jesus’ disciples. Then consider how Jesus was able to help each of them more deeply connect with God and with one another.
Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I don’t like to think of myself as being lazy yet I confess there are people I avoid as well as others with whom I struggle to connect. Thank You for the reminder that, like a garden, relationships must be cultivated. They take time and energy. They require the removal of weeds of pests to flourish. Help me to identify the weeds I have allowed to sprout in my relationships with others and to take the steps necessary to remove them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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