October 3--Providential Relationships

During today's lesson, Andy Stanley discussed the importance of providential relationships in growing one's faith. Andy argued that there are no "neutral" relationships. All relationships either enhance our spiritual walk with the Lord or they detract from it. For this reason, as parents, we often attempt to manipulate and influence the relationships that our children create and nurture. We recognize the influence of relationships and we seek those relationships for our children that we perceive to be positive in nature.

Andy Stanley also points out the importance in placing our children in environments in which they have other adults speaking wisdom and influence into their lives. As we discussed, if your children have not already concluded that your advice is not always sound, they soon will. In such cases, it is important to have other Godly adults in whom your children are comfortable and confident and in whom you are comfortable and confident. Andy pointed out that waiting until your child is in the eleventh grade to place him/her in such an environment is too late. During our class discussion, we talked about the practice of some of our class in which they have purposefully attempted to create trusting, intimate relationships with other Christian couples in order to create other adult resources for their kids in a time of need when the kids may not have confidence in his/her own parents or when the kid simply feels the need to seek counsel from someone other than his/her parent. We also talked about the accountability that can be created among parents who have developed such a relationship with other parents. The idea of picking up the phone and calling a parent of a child who is observed speeding or driving recklessly requires a relationship of complete trust and confidence.

Finally, it is important to remember those providential relationships in our own lives in which someone has helped us to grow spiritually. I remembered the men and women who served as Sunday School Teachers and Vacation Bible School Teachers when I was a young kid. I continue to remember a special pastor when I was a young deacon in another church. All of these people were providential relationships for me.

In addition, I believe that Cindy was brought into my life as a providential relationship. She has taught me much about Christian parenthood, appreciation and respect for those who may be different, ways to disagree with people and still treat them with respect and dignity, and she has been a partner in Christian growth as we have worked toward spiritual maturity together.

Who has served as a providential relationship in your life? For whom have you served as a providential relationships? Indeed, providential relationships play a critical role in growing our faith. I hope you will think about those who play such a role in your life and I hope that you will be open and willing to serve in such a role for others as the Lord uses you.

Have a great week.