There is a struggle understanding our need for JESUS vs. our need for OTHERS.

Sure, Jesus is enough, more than enough, but he himself will lead us to minister to and receive from others. If he says, “I will guide and uphold you through your brethren”, and I say, “That’s OK I prefer to have private faith and go it alone just me and you Lord.” Then he is not Lord because I am doing it my way and not his way. Yes, if I have been isolated from all support, then Jesus is enough, but if he has given me others, then I need to accept this. God often gives us feedback that is not for us but for the other and if I do not share he will not make an end run around my shyness and disobedience and get the other to hear what God intended us to share. If we have no burden for others or do not delight in fellowship and in being part of their growth: then can we be truly focused on Jesus. After all he is focused on them and if we are watching him we will give attention to what he cares about.

First I must be OK if all I ever have is Jesus. Yet he is invisible and doesn’t help with the dishes. Still if I work at talking to him all the time it helps. Pray without ceasing, do not cease to pray for others, give thanks always for all things. In all my ways seek to know him better. His presence will grow if I am faithful to listen to the still small voice, when I am still I will know.

It is fine to ask him for others in my life who can help me better picture how he feels about me.  It’s not like a wife asking her husband if he wouldn’t mind if she had other boyfriends. It’s a lot more like enjoying my parents and my siblings as well. As long as I hold ALL relationships in an open palm, so that, if they were removed, I might say. “My Jesus you gave me this relationship, thanks. Now you have taken it, thanks, I know that you never leave me nor forsake me.”