In just four Mondays, we’re out to define the four steps that will – if taken in order – produce a lifetime of confidence and certainty that will pay off handsomely, in the end.
#1 is Foundational: make sure you’re really redeemed – saved, born-again, following Jesus, a Christian – or nothing else matters.
#2 is Now-til-Death Material: God intends for us to be married, unless we’re certain that we should remain single, on His terms: God says there’s no intimacy without marital commitment. Critical requirement: your only prospect for marriage is another Christian; this is non-negotiable.
Today puts #3 on the table: you need to choose the people who will be your closest colleagues with whom you will go the distance.
Jim Rohn became famous: not for his early business activities, but for his wide acceptance and influence as a personal development guru. His career as a motivational figure stretched across four decades; he died in 2009 when he was 79. Jim claimed the Christian faith as his own.
Rohn was the source of a now oft-quoted statement about close relationships: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” He was putting his own endorsement on the insight from Johann Wolfgang van Goethe: “Tell me with whom you associate, and I will tell you who you are.” George Washington’s wisdom was in agreement: “Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.”
Success as a solo act is a lonely proposition; significance – the achievements that will measure greatly in the light of eternity – is never maximized without a formation of friends who share victory.
The span of biblical history confirms the recurrence of contributing partners whose names are forever linked to their colleagues. Genesis introduces us to One Almighty God: “Let us make man in our image.” (1:26). The plurality of the Godhead – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – is the ultimate mystery. The providential pivot of the Jews under Babylonian captivity was made possible – humanly – by the actions of four comrades who locked arms to stay the course in a hostile environment: “The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach) and Azariah (Abednego); so they entered the king’s service.” (Daniel 1:27). Seven hundred years later, among the 12 chosen by Jesus to be trained as His successors: Peter, James and John – the men whose fishing careers were unlikely indicators of their lifetime Kingdom assignments – frequently found themselves as the circle of cohorts whose exploits frame them as the backfield for the Apostles’ offensive starting team.
Why is that understanding so critical? Solomon answers that with clarity: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor; If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4).
How do you ensure that you end this year – and begin your future – with the foundational issues settled? What would you say to a young friend who is starting out in life and needs good counsel?
Jesus is first. You’re going to have to deal with Him eventually: every knee will someday bow to Him and recognize His supremacy. Do it now, you win; wait until then, and you lose.
Your mate is next. Settle on singleness or get to work forming your lifetime partnership. “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.” (Proverbs 18:22).
Pop quiz: name the five people in your life who would take a bullet for you, and you for them. The people who make you better; the people you make better; the ones more valuable than family.
If those names don’t come to mind quickly, make that manhunt a strategic item on your personal agenda. You know I’m right; get your relational org chart populated with the people you want to someday carry your casket.
