In Fear of the Middle

Revelation 3:14,15,16 Christ knows my personal concerns and decisions. He knows the outcome before a situation presents itself. He also knows the condition of the heart.

Relationship with God

We don’t want to be lukewarm or indifferent or uncaring in relationships. Successful relationships require investment. I can’t be “half-in" in a relationship and have it turn out well.

Deuteronomy 30:11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20 This formula is not outside our reach. It isn’t complicated.

Deuteronomy 30:9,10 God will bless if I am all in.

If I want to have a healthy relationship with God, I have to listen to His voice. The world is complicated. There is a lot of competition to gain our attention.

1 Kings 19:13

I am the only one that can control the impact of outside things on my relationship. Is my time absorbed by unhealthy interactions? Be faithful to yourself and God and step away! This can include anything that is weakening my ability to hear God. Even the strongest person can become fatigued in certain circumstances. Therefore, do whatever it takes for you personally to stay connected. God isn’t unreasonable.

Isaiah 43:1,2 God picked me for His “team.” He helps me pass through the difficult times of life.

Jeremiah 29:11,12 God knows me and He knows His own thoughts of me.

Matthew 22:35,35,37

Relationship with God’s People

1 Corinthians 12:4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,26 There may be a difference of administration, but all have the same spirit. The whole church can profit with a diversity of gifts from the same spirit.

Everyone is important and needed in the body. The personalities of the disciples included faults, quirks, and triumphs, just like ordinary people. The members suffer and rejoice together. Being “fitly joined together” will add to the strength and purpose the body was created for, similar to the weave of a piece of cloth.

Galatians 6:1 Address others with the spirit of meekness. All of us will experience a moment of mistake or misstep. How I address someone else in this moment can be even more discouraging or it can help with restoration. Using the right instrument - mercy and love - will go a long ways.

Romans 14:19 Look for ways to build up, not unravel, a brother in Christ. Take time to consider one another.

Hebrews 10:24,25 Consider where a person is and what they are going through. Try to walk in their shoes before judging.

Relationships with those that we love

Revelation 12:11

With marriage, it’s the little things that are the big things. Face the world together, with a mutual sense of values and common objectives. Express appreciation and gratitude. Forgive and forget. Create an atmosphere where both can grow and search for the good and beautiful in the world. If this relationship becomes lukewarm, be willing to correct it.