Associated

Associate: to join as partner, friend or companion.

On their website, Merriam-Webster in their synonym discussion of the word makes these two points:

- join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness
- associate stresses the mere fact of frequent occurrence or existence together in space or in logical relation

I got to thinking about this word yesterday, because I hate the dissolution of friendships. I know it happens, I know it's a part of life. Things change. People change. People move on. Plus, there's also room for difference that enter the picture that make continuing (whatever the nature of the relationship may be) not so feasible, not so worthwhile, not beneficial... in fact; staying could be detrimental in any number of ways.

Parting is such we sorrow, yet sometimes it's necessary in order to stay healthy.

Be that as it may, people come together because there exists agreement. There's an "on-board" factor of togetherness in circumstance or cause.

This alone makes it all the more important, why people need to prayerful consider what is going to transpire when entering new relationships, whatever their nature. Because their is a level of agreement, of alignment. Their is a joining as of forces; a linking of inseparability. Associate is to look or think of one thing and mentally connect with something or someone else.

Thus, is it's important to have God's help, especially for Pastors, in where and with whom they join in the work of the ministry.

Pray, this #associateTuesday, that pastors and the people of God alike, will be granted wisdom and discernment, when it comes to relationships and friendships of any nature (business, ministry and otherwise) May the careful consider who and where they should join forces with in carrying out the work of the Lord in ministry. May their be a spirit of unity as they work together. May their be a grace as differences and details of circumstances are worked out. Pray, that when a parting does occur, that it not be a rash, quick decision in a moment of tension and frustration. Even in parting, made their be agreement that truly, God is moving and closing a door, rather than one party storming off in their own right. May we be careful who we come into alignment with; always remembering that our alignment with God and His Word matters most. For eternity.

For the glory of God and the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

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