Relational Resolutions

I just returned from a two-week family vacation, visiting relatives in Indiana, Ohio, and South Carolina.  One of the things I like about road trips is listening to books on CD with the kids and also devouring a few myself on a portable MP3 player.  I listened to a biography of Oswald Chambers, by David McCasland and a book on happiness and spirituality by Henry Cloud.  I also was reading a paper back given to me by a friend entitled, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, by Peter Scazerro (not while I was driving).  

God orchestrated these books to minister to me in re-evaluating the way I relate to people.  All of our relationships are dysfunctional in various ways due to our sinful nature.  Not only was Adam's relationship with God fractured when he sinned, but all relationships are broken because of the curse (Genesis 4).  Through the gospel of Jesus Christ, God has reconciled us to himself and each other (Ephesians 2:11-22).


Here are ten 'relational resolutions' that I hope to walk in...

By God's grace, I will…

1.  Value people over possesions

2.  Value people over processes

3.  Treat people (especially my family) with kindness

4.  Treat people as though I believe they are made in God's image (not inanimate objects)

5.  I will not allow a 'false peace' to mask conflicts in relationships (not let the sun go down on my anger)

6.  I will allow people (especially my family) to make mistakes and fail without being critical

7.  I will allow people (especially my family) to be themselves, being patient towards them,  instead of controlling them or having sinful expectations for them

8.  I will not fear man (i.e. try to please man or impress man), especially in conversations

9.  I will be honest in all my dealings with people

10.  I will strive to give people the 'benefit of doubt', not rushing to conclusions or assuming falsely.  (i.e not bearing false witness)