Sermon Snippet –Hard Sloggin’ and High Steppin’
INTRODUCTION – Someone with far more musical ability than I possess should write a country song about relationships entitled “Hard Sloggin’ and High Steppin” (and Everything in Between).” Since God is inherently relational – one of the central tenets of Trinitarianism – we could reasonably expect His Word to help us with this important aspect of life, and we would be correct.
1. A RELATIONSHIP IS MOVEMENT IN THE SAME DIRECTION
Amos 3:3 is a frequently quoted verse on this subject: “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” It is applicable to all relationships. However, the context focuses on the interaction between the nation of Israel and God. Without this foundational relationship, other relationships will never be all that they can be. Can non-Christians have good relationships? Yes, of course, for all people are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-28). However, if we are not in agreement with God, we are placing ourselves in a precarious position: “But if ye will not be reformed by me by these things [spiritual correction and even chastisement], but will walk contrary unto Me; then will I also walk contrary unto you” (Leviticus 26:23-24b). Each one of us needs an eternal relationship with God the Son, Jesus Christ.
2. THIS MOVEMENT TOGETHER CAN BE IN THE WRONG DIRECTION
An example of this truth is found in I Kings 12:6-15, an account of Rehoboam’s disastrous decision to reject the wisdom of his father’s advisors and instead to follow the rash advice of his truculent young friends. The point is not that older people are always wiser (for example, who would reasonably take any words of counsel from our current President?). Rather, this account directs us to consider the direction determined by our relationships. This Biblical principle is presented in detail in II Corinthians 6:14-18. “Be ye separate” (verse 17) is an absolute command: “set boundaries” is the literal meaning. Every relationship needs boundaries. The tendency of bad relationships is to transgress accepted and acceptable limits.
3. MOVEMENT IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION CHARACTERIZES A GOOD RELATIONSHIP
“Does this relationship make me a better person, a better Christian?” is a question that each of us should ask. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 is a familiar passage that explores the power of good relationships. Previously, the Preacher had spoken wisely of the different seasons of life (3:1-11 – the Byrds us this section as the basis for their hit song “Turn, Turn, Turn”; we need more hit songs based on Scripture in our decaying culture today). Sometimes, life is a hard slog – say, taking care of a chronically ill parent, spouse, child, or grandchild. At other times, happiness abounds. Through both and everything in between, a good relationship not only remains strong but also is actually strengthened.
CONCLUSION – I do not ascribe human emotions to animals, as some folks do. However, we can learn from their behaviors, for Scripture uses critters as down-to-earth examples for us (for example, Proverbs 6:6-11; 30:24-31). A couple of weeks ago, our labrador retrievers (or, as I call these two sisters, labrador redivas, for they are divas over and over again) were outside when a cyclist pedaled by. One heard the bike, was surprised, and gave a low growl; the other immediately did the same, even though she had not heard the sound. To me, this immediate banding together was an apt illustration of the hard slogs of life where “two are better than one.” A few minutes later, one of the dogs began prancing up the freshly-filled stream in back of the parsonage. I expected the other one (the one who is usually the first into the water) to jump in. Instead, she began high stepping on the bank, matching and sharing in her sister’s high-spirited happiness: there is “a time to dance.” Their simple canine commitment prompted this message. However, it is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Who offers us an everlasting and saving relationship with Him and desires that our relationships now will move in the right direction, through “hard sloggin’ and high steppin’ and everything in between.” May we learn from Him.