Reading: Proverbs 5:15-23
The importance of marriage is greater than our culture leads on in today's world. With a media that promotes doing what feels good, and getting what you want now, knowing what is right and wrong in a committed relationship can be tricky. This Proverb gives strong warning against sex outside of marriage, completely opposite of what the status quo puts out. With so much value on relationships, like marriage, the Bible stresses the importance of self-control in efforts to preserve them. Don't just write off the blessing of relationship when it comes to your spouse, whether you're married or not. Respect for your spouse starts before the "I do". Be faithful to your spouse with the person you're with now, be faithful with your spouse by only being with you're spouse, and be faithful to them by praying for them and including God into your relationships. In fact, make Him the center of them.
Reading: Mark 6:6a-29
Notice that Jesus sent out His disciples in twos. This shows that He knows the importance of relationship. Jesus obviously was never married, but He knew the importance of having a companion, whether in marriage or friendship. We read in Ecclesiastes that "two are better than one...if one falls the other can pick him up." When the disciples were sent out to do ministry, having a brother with them allowed them to rejoice together, build each other up if one was discouraged or down, and just see the blessing of ministry together. Going through the Christian walk alone was not God's intention. Though at times, life can feel lonely, especially as a Christian in today's society, we need to find an accountability partner, and/or a fellow Christian friend to share sound, Godly advice with. Going to church, being involved in ministry, being a part of a Bible study group, and just talking with other Christians can help you in this. Don't isolate yourself. Get yourself good, Godly friends.
King Herod, on the other hand, had good intentions, but weak morals. His weakness for a girl caused the death of John the Baptist. Because Herod didn't have the accountability and good-standing moral foundation, he found himself regretting his lack of counsel. Don't misjudge the importance of accountability.
Reading: Exodus 29:1-30:38
Our relationship with Jesus is the most important one we can have. Because of His sacrifice, and because of His blood, we don't need to carry out the meticulous rituals of the Old Testament times. The details of this reading sure show how serious it was to cleanse oneself of their sins. It also shows just how seriously we take our relationship with God.
Jesus is our Savior. He restores, forgives and redeems. Accepting a relationship with Him is accepting the redemption, forgiveness and cleansing of our sins. The most important relationship you can say "yes" to is one with Him.
Relationships are important. We are to value them more than society lets on in some cases. Our relationship with Jesus and the ones that keep us on track with Him are most important. Stay on the course with Him and with the people who help you grow in Him.
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