SCRIPTURE
“Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” Amos 3:3, NIV.
“Do two people walk hand in hand if they aren’t going to the same place?” Amos 3:3, Message
SPOTLIGHT
Do you get along with people at your work? Are you happily married? Do you enjoy the privilege of having friends? Do you have a personal, ongoing, growing relationship with Jesus Christ that brings you tremendous blessing? I have just asked you 4 questions that entail every part of your life – work, marriage, friendship, and God. How are you doing in all these areas? You may be working beside someone, but are you working with him/her? You may be married, but are you holding hands as you walk? You may have people around you, but do you have friends? You may walk to church, but do you walk with God?
All of the above questions have 2 words in common – healthy relationships, which by the way, are key to enjoying life. Healthy relationships have 1 word in common – agreement, which by the way, is the ability to be in harmony with people, or the living God. Have you discovered, THE POWER OF AGREEMENT? This is the focus of today’s SCRIPTURE text above.
The most important walk you can ever choose is to walk with God. Are you in agreement with God? The prophet Amos emphasizes this when he writes, “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” Amos was addressing God’s people, primarily the northern kingdom. God had chosen Israel for special purposes but now, this nation, was to experience judgment because of disobedience. Israel just was not out of step, but had totally chosen not to walk with God. It wanted God’s blessings, without being in agreement with God’s ways. Israel was far from being in harmony with God. You cannot experience God’s blessing without walking with Him. Walking with God is when you continually sense God’s presence in your everyday living.
You and your employer will reach the highest productivity when both of you agree on certain things. Marriage really works when a husband and wife agree on fundamentals. Experiencing friendship rather than loneliness will be discovered by 2 people agreeing on certain things. Your relationship with Jesus Christ will grow, and greatly bless you, when you agree with your Savior and Lord on basics.
So, what are the “certain things, fundamentals, basics,” that people need to agree on in order to “walk together?” Effectively working together, harmoniously living together in marriage, successfully befriending someone and walking together with God, reach their maximum potential when there is a:
#1. SHARED PURPOSE
#2. SHARED PLAN
#3. SHARED PACE
The power of agreement is based on a SHARED PURPOSE. When two people have the same focus and goals, they begin to excel at walking together. A common destination, or similar pursuit, forms a strong bond. When you have the same objective, or end in mind, you are walking, working and living together in harmony.
The power of agreement is based on a SHARED PLAN. When two people agree on strategy as to how to reach their shared goals, they begin to excel at walking together. What are the principles that will be used to achieve the shared purpose? Consider the values and convictions that are being used to get to the desired destination.
The power of agreement is based on a SHARED PACE. When two people agree on the speed/time needed to reach the agreed on purposes, by following the agreed on plan, they begin to excel at walking together. You have to be in step with each other in order to have the greatest success.
A marching soldier, or a marching band player, will march in total synchronization with other soldiers and bandsmen, when he/she is in agreement with the others about the purpose, plan, and pace of the march. THE POWER OF AGREEMENT has been discovered.
A marriage excels when a husband and wife purposely live to glorify God, share convictions, and agree on when things should happen. You will excel at your job when you “walk “with your employer, by being in agreement with the company goals, strategies and timing. You will never be alone, but always enjoy friendship when you choose to spend time with a person who agrees with you about life’s purpose, plan and pace. Your personal relationship with the living God will bring you fulfillment and balance in life when you share Jesus Christ’s purpose, plan and pace for living.
Are you walking with God? Are you in agreement with the purpose, plan and pace Jesus Christ has for your life? Your highest fulfillment and greatest potential will be reached when you walk with Jesus Christ.
SOMETHING TO DO
What can you do to build healthy relationships? Ask yourself these questions:
#1. How can you communicate to your employer, or coworker, that you are in agreement with the company’s purpose, plan and pace?
#2. What can you do to add harmony to your marriage?
#3. Do you share a common purpose, plan and pace regarding life with your friends?
#4. If Jesus Christ told you how to better walk with Him, what would He say?
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Heavenly Father, show me how to walk with You. Reveal to me where I can better be in agreement with Your purpose, plan and pace for my life. Then show me how to develop healthy relationships. I pray Lord:
“Just A Closer Walk With Thee, Grant It Jesus Is My Plea,
Daily Walking Close To Thee, Let It Be, Dear Lord, Let It Be.” AMEN!