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In a recent discussion a sister mentioned a man she worked with was recently diagnosed with a terminal illness. Prior to this he valued wealth, material things, “boys toys”. However this situation now changed with his diagnosis. On reflection this man saw that all his earthly goods were nothing, and what really mattered were relationships.

We stand in awe of the almighty God, and His creation as recorded in Genesis and that which can be seen around us. The amazing landscapes, plant life, animal kingdom, our solar system and beyond. In God’s own words all this is “good”. This was all made for the pinnacle of His creation, mankind, man and woman made in His image (Genesis 1:27),  ^‘So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.’ After this He announced this was all “very good” (Genesis 1:31) ‘ And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.’

The Holy Bible then tells us in Genesis 2:18 of something God saw as “not good”, to be alone. Having seen every creature and named them, Adam found no suitable helper or companion. Relationships like marriage, family, friendships are precious.  It took adversity for this sister’s work colleague to recognize the value of family and friends. Solomon wrote in Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loveth at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.”

The most important relationship we can have is with God, the best friend we have in this life is Jesus Christ who died for us. Apostle Paul writes in Timothy 6:3-16 of what really matters in this life, seeking an eternal relationship with God our heavenly Father, eternal life. This relationship and communion with God, lost at the downfall of man, is able to be rebuilt today in this life by the Grace won by Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. It is a blessing to know this today, and to commit to this relationship today.  Let us reflect on that advice. 1 Timothy 6: 3-16, ‘If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;  He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.  But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.  I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:  Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.’

The hymn “How Great Thou Art” has a simple framework that puts this in order, starting with the awesome wonder we have at the worlds around us, then the redeeming friendship in Jesus Christ, and finally being taken to our eternal home.

By believing in Jesus Christ and humbling ourselves the Holy Spirit will reveal to us a loving Father in God. Galatians 4:6, “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” This blessing is here today for the believer, to belong to God and His family the Church.