”Intentional Relationships” Advent Devotion for December 16, 2021

Intentional Relationships

Written by Kevin Rice Myers, Retired UM Clergy

Read by Denise Utter

 

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;

and all these things shall be added unto you.

--Matthew 6:33

 

I started taking piano lessons when I was eight.  My teachers insisted that I practice at least an hour a day, every day.  Over the last 57 years I have spent literally thousands of hours at the piano and organ, practicing.  Regular practice helps the fingers develop “muscle memory.” The more often a passage is repeated, the easier it becomes to play that passage.  I must confess that I no longer practice the piano and organ every day.  In fact, there have been times when I have gone weeks, months, and even years, without touching a musical keyboard.  After those gaps it is difficult to play anything at all, let alone play well, because that “muscle memory” has deteriorated. My fingers need “rehab.” Playing well requires constant, regular, intentional practice.  It doesn’t happen by accident. 

 

The same is true of our relationships – with God and with each other.  Jesus told his followers to “Seek first the kingdom of God…” “Some translations say, “Strive first...,” or “Desire first and foremost….” They all imply active intentionality. In the context of this passage, Jesus is reminding us that our relationship with God is more important than anything else in the world.

 

Yes, God loves us. Yes, God seeks us out. Yes, God saves us. But we must accept the gift of God’s love if it is to make a difference in our lives. 

 

Advent is a season to prepare to receive the Gift of God’s love.  That love comes to us in the Christ child. God became human, so we can understand what it means to be in relationship with God.  To accept God’s love means a commitment to intentional relationship.  If our relationships with God are to flourish, we must “Seek first the kingdom of God” – before all other things.  That is an active, intentional choice. It doesn’t happen by accident.

                                                                                      

Gracious God, thank you for loving us, for accepting us as we are, and for calling us into relationship with you.  Guide us to be intentional in all our relationships, that we might share the love we have received with those around us.