A Transactional Relationship
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” - James 1:2-4
Is your relationship with God dependent on your circumstances? Does your faith rise and fall by what is happening in your life? If so, your spiritual relationship with God is transactional.
A transactional relationship occurs when one person does something to receive something is return. There is no giving without receiving. There is no benevolence without results.
It is not always easily recognizable. But we may tell ourselves, I will praise God when I see the blessing. Or I will pray when everything is my life is going well. However, we know this is not a relationship built on faith.
Jesus had nothing to gain from dying on the Cross for us. He did not say, those people will not serve me, or they do not like me so I will not make the sacrifice. He died because it was the only way for us to spend eternity in heaven with Him and the Father. The Lord did not design us to have transactional relationships, not with others, and not with Him.
Everyone will sign up for something they can benefit from. But what God wants is for us to trust Him, love Him, and follow Him even when it doesn't make sense. It requires sacrifice.
James 1:2-4 says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
The Lord allows tough times in our lives because He wants to grow our faith. In moments like these, let your faith grow and endure the difficult times. Do not allow your relationship with God to be transactional because God wants so much more for you than that.
Is your relationship with God dependent on your circumstances? Does your faith rise and fall by what is happening in your life? If so, your spiritual relationship with God is transactional.
A transactional relationship occurs when one person does something to receive something is return. There is no giving without receiving. There is no benevolence without results.
It is not always easily recognizable. But we may tell ourselves, I will praise God when I see the blessing. Or I will pray when everything is my life is going well. However, we know this is not a relationship built on faith.
Jesus had nothing to gain from dying on the Cross for us. He did not say, those people will not serve me, or they do not like me so I will not make the sacrifice. He died because it was the only way for us to spend eternity in heaven with Him and the Father. The Lord did not design us to have transactional relationships, not with others, and not with Him.
Everyone will sign up for something they can benefit from. But what God wants is for us to trust Him, love Him, and follow Him even when it doesn't make sense. It requires sacrifice.
James 1:2-4 says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
The Lord allows tough times in our lives because He wants to grow our faith. In moments like these, let your faith grow and endure the difficult times. Do not allow your relationship with God to be transactional because God wants so much more for you than that.
Subscribe Now for Free Daily Devotions
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Let it GoA Prayer for RestorationThe Power of Self-ForgivenessEmbracing FreedomFrom Transgression to RedemptionRelease and FreedomWisdom in ReflectionBlessed Assurance in ForgivenessEmbracing Divine RestTrusting in the WaitingEmbracing Peace in Unresolved MomentsMoving Forward Without ClosureA New Chapter AwaitsRefocusing for a New ChapterThe Danger of Looking BackLet God Be Your DefenseGod's Victory, Not OursThe Author of Your New ChapterThe Faithful Promise KeeperA Promise UnveiledThe Urgency of ObedienceThe University of AdversityThriving in AdversityForging the Future YouTransformative Power of AdversityThe Role of ResilienceThe Gift of EmpathyChanging PerspectiveGod's Purpose in Your AdversityThe Anchoring Power of TrustConsistent in Prayer, Unwavering in Praise
February
Navigating Life's JourneyLessons from the Prodigal SonStaying on TrackA Lesson in PatienceTrusting in God's TimingAvoiding the DriftChoosing Your Company WiselyThe Impact of Your Inner CircleThe Call to Responsible StewardshipFrom Rock Bottom to RedemptionGetting My Life Back On TrackWholeness Beyond Rock BottomWaking Up to ResponsibilityFacing the FactsOnly God Can Make Life Worth Living You Can Do ItYour Transformation MattersBreaking Free from ShameGod's Unwavering CareThe Good ShepherdThe Shepherd Who ProvidesFinding Refuge in God's ProtectionGod's Omnipotent ProtectionGod's Unseen ProtectionOverflowing BlessingsA Unique LoveA Divine ExchangeThe Power in His Precious BloodFrom Trials to Praise
March
Cleansing Body, Mind, and SpiritDetoxifying the MindDetoxifying for Spiritual EmpowermentThe Promise of God's PresenceWalking Purely Under God's ProtectionEmbracing God's Promise of RedemptionEmbracing God's Promise of ReconciliationThe Blessing of God's Adoption and ProvisionGod Desires RelationshipGod's Unconditional LoveGod's Gift of GraceNot OptionalPromises for the ChosenVIP Status in the KingdomThe Necessity of Cleansing for Kingdom CitizensThe Power WithinFinding Peace Beyond the PastHealing WoundsCleansing the TempleUnpacking the Trauma WithinHealing from WithinThe Promise of HealingBeyond the MindFinding Safety in Your BodyThe Power of a WishThe Ultimate WishBeyond Religious PerformanceBeyond Personal AchievementTrue Gain in Knowing ChristKnowing Christ DeeplyThe Power of His Resurrection
No Comments