We have had some lessons on relationships from brother Bryan McAlister. This is being written before he presents his lessons.

So, if for some reason he was not able to make the trip, just keep on reading anyway. I am confident he will be here and those who attend will be encouraged and edified with the biblical concepts that are given.

Relationships are formed by us through various means. At birth, we have our immediate family and the connections there. Those relationships are not our choice, they are automatic. A person does not choose their biological family. We are either blessed to have a good godly family, or we are not. However, once we are on our own and even before we begin to choose the people with which we associate. We choose our other relationships.

At times, we may make some good choices and the relationships help us be a good person. Other times, we may make some relationship choices that negatively impact our lives. This will happen continually as long as we live on this earth. The Bible teaches us to be loving, kind, patient, and an honest person as a follower of Christ. That type of person tends to attract others who share similar traits. Although having these traits does not guarantee that a person may not still make some choices that are detrimental to their beliefs and their lives.

Making good choices requires a person to know who they are and who they want to be. This includes placing a priority on the company in which a person enjoins themselves. The Bible teaches us that bad company will corrupt a person (1 Corinthians 15:33). So, the choices of relationships become an important aspect of a person’s life.

The most important relationship a person will ever have is not their spouse, even though that is important. No, the most important relationship to choose to begin, develop, and maintain is the one with the Lord Jesus Christ. A person’s relationship with Jesus will help them determine if other relationships need to be fostered and grown. Keeping the relationship with the Lord Jesus should and, frankly, must be the top focal point in the life of a Christian. When that relationship is at its best, then all other relationships will be in their proper place in our lives. May we all seek to have the best relationship with the Savior first.