When asked what the most important commandment was, Jesus answered love God with all you have and love your neighbor as yourself. That tells me, in terms of importance, relationships rank right at the top.

A ministry leadership myth/legend quotes a pastor as saying, “Ministry would be great if it weren’t for the people.” While being humorous and ringing true at times, it seems to miss the whole point.

Ministry and life are about relationships. First focus should be our relationship with God and then that relationship should inform how we do relationships with each other.

It has been asked, “If relationships are so important, why are they so difficult?” My answer is “exactly.” Their importance is why they are so hard. The evil one will seek to destroy all relationships that reflect the love, grace, mercy, and truth of God.

For the next four weeks we are going to look at some one thing(s) we can do in our relationships that will honor God, bless others, build each other up, and reflect God in our individual worlds.

Will this one thing(s) be hard? Absolutely. Will they be worth it? You bet. My father once told me anything good and worth having will be difficult. I look forward to us practicing that “One Thing.”