No matter how strong, brave, or powerful you consider yourself to be, you must understand how to interact with others. You need to learn to share your space with others. Your current level of life reflects the relationships you have. The new relationships you form will allow you to advance to the next level. We all start life with other people taking care of us. Then we develop into strong, independent adults. It is possible to become so self-sufficient that you forget you will always need others. You must always be on the lookout to ensure you’re building the right relationships you will need in your future.
The shrewd manager in Luke 16:3-4, though dishonest, grasped this principle. Facing unemployment, he anticipated needing help. While his methods were flawed, he understood the importance of building relationships. He realized that he would need others to open doors for him. He took steps to ensure that he would receive the assistance he requires for his own future. In life, we make connections not only for our current needs, but also for the future. It is not unusual to ask yourself, “Where do I want to go in life?” “What kinds of relationships may lead me there?”
Let the shrewd manager serve as a reminder. Invest in building genuine relationships. Start building relationships that could secure the future in a decade or two. Prioritize your future needs over your present comfort. Seek out those who share your values and inspire you to grow. As Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.” Strong, supportive relationships are not just a pleasant byproduct of life, but a necessary ingredient for reaching your full potential. So, extend a hand, open your heart, and begin building the network that will empower you to soar.
