Seasons of People

“Brothers and sisters, we command you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to stay away from every brother or sister who lives an undisciplined life that is not in line with the traditions you received from us”. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 (CEB)

The above scripture was part of our Sunday school lesson recently. The message was delivered to the new Christians at Thessalonica and by the end of the selection (vs.6-15) the instruction is to warn that person that is not living a disciplined life so that they can understand and change their behavior. This thought followed Brooks and me home, so we continued the discussion as we ate our lunch.

This scriptural portion deals only with those new converts, but sometimes we become associated with someone that is not a part of the church and maybe hasn’t been saved. I believe God sends or allows the people we have relationships with, ever how brief, into our lives for a purpose. Perhaps that purpose is to bring us closer to Him by associating with Christians that are more mature, having been on their Christian walk longer than we have. That is for our good, to grow us in our faith; what about those folks we find ourselves friends with who have no spiritual life?

Are you in a relationship with a particular person for a (1) reason, a (2) season, or (3) a lifetime? How do you know which of these relationships you’re in? Let’s take a look at each of these timeframes and their differences.

When someone is in your life for a reason, God has sent them or you to assist through a difficulty, to provide guidance and support, to lend physical, emotional or spiritual aid. This relationship is only for the reason God needs them to be. Once the need has been met, the desire fulfilled, the work is done. The prayer has been answered and it’s now time to move on.

If you find yourself in a difficult season God will send someone to help you grow or teach you a lesson. They may teach you something that had it not been for this season of your life, you would have never learned. It is important to remember that during such seasons God is not punishing us but has to allow us to learn and grow closer to Him through our poor decisions.

A lifetime relationship is a gift from God! They should be cherished, for these relationships we are blessed to have until one draws their last breath. Because such relationships are made up of family, friends or a spouse doesn’t mean they will always be easy, but they will always be worth the effort put into it.

Whether the people in your life were for a season, reason or a lifetime, be thankful for them and whatever lesson, aid or growth that came from each one.

A final thought to sum up today’s devotion is this, God works in mysterious ways—sometimes in ways we ourselves cannot even begin to comprehend. (Jennifer Campos)