Priority: Intentional Relationships

02.09.09

In John 1:37–39 a couple disciples of John the Baptist (probably John and Andrew) are hanging out in the country. John the Baptist points out that Jesus is the Savior of the world. So they ask Jesus, “Where are you staying?” Now the right answer is to point in some direction or say, “I’m camped out over there by that tree, next to the family with the barking dog.” But what He says is, “Come and see.” That’s not an answer to the question. In fact, it appears that answering the question and dispersing information isn’t even important. What was important was beginning a relationship. So He invites them to spend time with Him.

What’s the priority: Intentional Relationships. Whether it was leaving Heaven, becoming a man, choosing the disciples, reconciling with Peter, talking with Nicodemus or coming down from the mountain and His privacy to be with the crowd – when it comes to relationships Jesus is intentional. He doesn’t wait for people to come to HIM – HE goes to them.

Here are some suggestions for making this a priority in your life:
Begin to pray – as a member of CSUS you are ask to pray every Monday at lunch for surfers – do that.
Write out a list of specific surfers and pray for them regularly
Begin to surf on purpose – what I mean by that is living for Jesus in the water. Give a wave to a guy, talk to people in the lineup, etc.
Begin to intentionally spend time with surfers – grab coffee with one of the guys in the lineup that you know or surf with someone regularly for the purpose of encouraging them in following Jesus
This is a tough one but, rather than surf your secret spot alone, surf where the crowd is for the reason of meeting people

Jesus didn’t say, “I know I’m supposed to love my neighbor, but...” Instead, he turned most conversations to an opportunity to build friendships. Let’s do the same in 2009.

Who do you surf for?