So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, "May the LORD call David's enemies to account." And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself. 1Samuel 20: 16-17 (NIV)
We don't covenant much anymore. Sure maybe for marriage but beyond that there are often too many peripheral relationships in our lives and in the church. To make matters worse, we can fall into the habit of actually using God as the reason why we do not follow the plan He has outlined for us when it comes to our relationships. The first sign of a relationship costing us something and we can become too heavenly minded. God created Adam and Eve and walked in the Garden with them. God called Abraham and Moses friend. Jesus called his disciples friends. He even referred to Judas as friend as He was betraying Him! The Bible is very clear that we are to focus on heavenly things not the things of this world. But that is not referring to other people. God brings people into our lives for a reason. Others He may bring in for a season. But there should be a balance. If you have a lot of folks who have been in for a season and not a lot for a reason, perhaps this was a word for you. If at the first sign of concern in a relationship we feel the need to lie in sackcloth and ashes while we commence a 40 day fast, perhaps we need to be of more earthly good!
Seriously, we often complicate what God has made clear and simple. Are we to be heavenly minded? Absolutely. But God has made it clear in His Word that we are to do so while being of some earthly good to each other. That we are to model Jesus, Paul, King David and countless other examples He has given us. That we are to edify and build each other up in doctrine but also in love. A love like David had for Jonathan that transcended generations and was born out of covenant. And that people would then know we belong to the King because of the love we have for each other. Not just in words but in deeds. The love of God. The love of a friend.
Reverend Anthony Wade January 20, 2012
