By Jenny Fulton

When I first saw this week’s Five-Minute Friday topic, my mind went blank. I wasn’t sure I’d participate this time, and I was actually okay with that. After all, this isn’t something I want to feel obligated or pressured by. However, after spending time talking with God, and drinking coffee, a few thoughts regarding the word began to materialize. So, I decided to give it a go.

Every week on the five minute friday site, a topic is posted. The idea is to turn that internal editor off and write for five minutes straight. Then you post your blog and link up with others who have done the same. 

Topic: Deal

Five Minutes Starts Now…

“I’ll make you a deal,” we say.

“I got a great deal for this thing,” we proudly tell someone.

Deals. They can be so exciting, make us feel so successful. And they’re so impersonal. A deal isn’t personal. It’s business. It’s about getting the best for the least personal cost.

How much do we apply this concept to our relationships – our relationship with God and with each other?

Deals don’t require a heart investment. They can feel safe in that respect, not putting us at risk of being emotionally hurt. Both parties understand their role. It’s clear cut, with clear expectations. You do this. I’ll do this.

But true, deep relationships aren’t deals. They don’t come with a list of do’s and don’t. They’re hard. They require our heart. These relationships say, I want to know you for you. I love you for who you are, not what you can do for me. I want to learn more about you. I want to spend time with you because it brings me joy just to be with you.

Stop!  End of Five Minutes

Topic Continued…

I’ve been thinking a lot about the idea of legalism, particularly the heart and spirit that resides at its core. I’m even writing a full article about it. As I thought and prayed about this week’s Five-Minute Friday topic, I realized that a big part of legalism includes a desire to make a deal with God, rather than enter into and engage in a true, personal relationship with Him.

“Tell you what, God,” we say in our heart. “I’ll make you a deal. If you’ll let me into Heaven, I’ll believe in you and do …”

But God desires so much more than to simply make a deal with us. He wants us to know Him, love Him, communicate with Him, spend time with Him, experience the love, joy, peace, and so much more that comes from simply being in His presence now, not just when we get to Heaven.

More of My Five-Minute Friday Posts

• The Benefits of Having Children
• The Perfect Timing of a Missed Opportunity
• Work or Baby
• Small-Town Culture
• The Magic of Touch

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*Cover Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay