Pastor Mike began a new sermon series entitled “Ownership”. In his first sermon in this series, Pastor Mike brought a powerful message on “Owning Relationships”. So that we may be doers of the Word and not hearers only, let us review some key points from that message.

Ownership - Owning Relationships

We have to own our relationships!

Ownership is the act or state or right of possessing something.

You have to take responsibility for the condition of the relationships you are in. There has to be a certain level of contentment. Everybody else isn't the problem all the time.

Genesis 2:18 NKJV

“And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”

It's not good for us to be alone. God wants us to be in relationship. We are made to be in relationship and God models relationship in the Trinity.

The key to being successful in a relationship is your being known. This requires vulnerability. But it's the enemy's goal to isolate you and he will do everything he can to isolate you.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?

12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

4 Ways it is Better Not to be Alone - 4 W's

1. Work- "They have a good reward for their labour." We work better together. There is power when we work together. Nothing can multiply when it's just one person.

2. Walk - "For if they fall one will lift up his fellow." Our walk is better when we walk together. We all walk more securely together. When we're connected, we help each other.

3. Warmth - "Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?" When we are discouraged others can help lift use up and give us warmth. There's power when someone can speak a word of encouragement to us. The enemy wants you to be isolated so there's no one to encourage you!

4. Warfare - "And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken." We all need someone to fight beside us. We don't typically know it when we are deceived. We all have blind spots. The thing about a blind spot is we don't know we are blind. But when we are together we can help each other see more clearly. When someone has your back and can fight with you when you're weak, you can win against the enemy.

We have multiple levels of relationship. We have our relationship with God, our spouse, or children, siblings, parents, friends, community etc. We have all different types and levels of relationships, and in those relationships unity commands a blessing. If a relationship is not working, you have to take ownership of making it work, and the key ingredient to doing that is humility. It takes humility to be unified.

Are you willing to admit you're wrong? Are you willing to prefer the other person? Are you willing to forgive? It takes these things to own a relationship.

Colossians 3:12-13 NKJV

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”

Romans 12:18 NKJV

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

Your relationship with God is at the level you want it to be! If you want more of God, there's things you can do to make that happen. It's your decision. You can change your relationship with God by simply making a decision.

James 4:8 NKJV

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

James 4:9-10 NKJV

“Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”