Over the next couple of weeks we’re going to be talking about relationships. What role they have in our lives as well as the pitfalls.

First things first: have students shout out types of relationships
i.e. family, friend, acquaintance, BF/GF, Christian family, etc.. then circle friends

“The Value of any Relationship can be measured by its contribution to your Priorities”

What are your priorities?? To be popular, smart, a “rebel”, graduate high school, to be closer to God, etc…

What the Word has to say about friendships:

John 15:12-13 – no greater love…

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12 – two are better than one… in fact, in Mark 6:7 we see that Jesus sent the disciples out two by two. He know that there was accountability and strength in doing that.

John 13:34-35 – love one another

We build relationships by spending time with each other. How can two people who never spend time together be friends?? It also follows that we start to “mimic” those we hang around.

Some Warnings!

1 Corinthians 15:33 – evil company corrupts good morals
ILLUS: strong student trying to pull weaker student up

Proverbs 12:26 – choose your friends carefully

Proverbs 14:20 – the rich man has many friends

2 Corinthians 6:14-15 – do not be unequally yoked (that doesn’t mean we can’t talk to unbelievers!)

True friendship comes when we love as Christ loves. When we find our identity and character in Him. If you need a friend or group of friends to “be” someone or to find “who” you are, you’re in for disappointment.

It is important to develop close friendships, but it is even more important to have a relationship with Christ. If you’re having friend “issues” then maybe it’s time to reevaluate your relationship with God. Are you talking with Him every day? Are you listening to Him by reading your Bible?

The more time we spend with God, the more we will be like Him. From that, we’ll begin to look at our relationships in a new light. Are they contributing to your priorities? Are they helping you get closer to your creator?