It's Relationships, Stupid.

In 1992 Bill Clinton's successful presidential campaign against President George H. W. Bush was summed up in the phrase, "The economy, stupid."

Now I know some of you are shuddering at me using the S word.  But it has to be said.  Everything rises and falls on relationships.  Think about it.  We say, "It's not what you know it's who you know.  How many times have you known someone to get a job because they knew someone in the company?  

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Friendships are valuable and worthy endeavors for us to pursue.  The Bible notes that friends encourage and build each other up.  That they help develops the necessary life and faith skills we need to face the struggles we face.  

Then why are we becoming a society that is more isolated and alone than ever before?  What is driving us apart?  We work with the same people, but we never get to know them.  We live next door to the same neighbors, but we never learn their names.  We go to church and say as anonymous as possible.

Recently I hear this statement.  We are the most in debt, obese, and over medicated generation ever in American history.  But why?  Because we want to stop the negative emotions that haunt our souls.  So we spend, eat and pop pills until we feel better.  Problem is, we never feel better, so we do more of the same. 

Here is a suggestion.  Talk to a friend.  I know that the thought of this just scared the daylights out of some of you.  But hear me out.  Sit down with someone who you trust.  Ask them to keep the confidence and pour out your heart to them.  Not to solve anything.  Just talk.  Friends listen.  Friends help.  

Pray.  Jesus is the one who is closer than a brother.  Tell Him what is on your heart.  He will listen.  

PRAY:  Dear Jesus, help me talk to someone today.  AMEN