Into the box

J Allen Peterson makes a profound statement "Most people get married believing a myth - that marriage is a beautiful box full of all the things that they have longed for - companionship, sexual fulfillment, intimacy, friendship. The truth is that marriage, at the start is an empty box. You must put something in before you can take anything out. There is no love in marriage, love is in people. There is no romance in marriage, people have to infuse it in their marriages. A couple must learn the art and form the habit of giving, loving, serving, praising - keeping the box full. If you take out more than you put in, the box will be empty."

That's amazing advice for couples but it pertains to our relationship with God as well. Many people bring their box to God and say "Fill it up, Lord." It's good to have Him fill it but did you know God wants you to put your heart and emotions in it as well? He's looking for more than obedient servants, He's looking for relationship. He created you for more than servanthood, He created you for fellowship. You have stuff to put in the box and He wants it, He's interested in your ideas, thoughts and friendship.

In the Old and New Testaments God called Abraham His friend; friends talk, friends exchange ideas and challenge each other. Abraham's friendship was expressed in Gen. 18 when he interceded on behalf of Sodom. Contrary to God's plan he pleaded for the people of Sodom and God listened. The relationship wasn't about Abraham's goodness, he lied about his wife over and over and by his poor decisions fathered both the Arab and Jewish people. Through that mix alone he is personally responsible for messing up half the planet, yet he's still considered a friend of God. I doubt you've messed up half the planet so there's hope for you!

Over and over God enjoys the input of His people. God was amazed when David wanted to build a house for Him, without Him asking. We are able to bless the Lord by our response to Him. You have a box that needs to be filled but you are part of the filling. If you're still in doubt Jesus told His disciples, "I no longer call you servants...but I have called you friends." John 15:15 Be a friend of God, pour your input into your box with God and watch what happens.