There are just not enough people in the Body of Christ who are "covenant relationship-minded." Brother Kenneth Copeland and I have enjoyed covenant relationship for over twenty-five years. God brought us together by divine appointment, and we've honored that relationship.
We've come to one another's aid in times of trouble. We've prayed over one another's situations, trials, and adversities. We've stood with one another when all hell broke loose. And we've rejoiced with one another over each other's victories.
God has used us to speak into one another's life. We've brought admonishment to each other. We've helped one another stay on course. We need that in the Body of Christ. We've got too many people who think they know it all, and don't need any help. But they'll find that there will come a time when they will need somebody. I don't care how spiritual you are. You need covenant relationships.
Galatians 6:6-9 says:
Brethren even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness each one looking to yourself lest you too, be tempted. Bear one another's burdens. And thus fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing he deceives himself. Do not be deceived. God is not mocked. For whatsoever a man sows, that he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the spirit shall from the spirit reap eternal life and let us not lose heart in doing good. For in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.Notice he's saying, "You may come across others from time to time who need lifting up or encouragement or someone to help them carry their load." He says that when we help them, we are sowing into their lives.
Your sowing is not just so your needs will be met, but your sowing is so their needs will be met. Then he says that we are not to get weary in well doing. If I'm not helping my covenant brothers, then I'm not fulfilling my part of my covenant relationship with them.
I love it when people rally around you. To me, one of the greatest compliments I've ever received is when I'm out somewhere, not necessarily in preaching attire, and somebody walks by and recognizes me and says, "I'm one of your partners." Praise God! That always thrills me.
But what's sad, is when that same person later decides that you're no longer worthy of their support. They grow weary in doing good. The Word says, "Do not lose heart in doing good for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary."
It's time that we begin to extend covenant relationship to one another. Not just in the good times, but all the time. Never leave you nor forsake you. That's not just pretty words. It's covenant talk. That's the last thing Jesus said before he ascended to heaven. It means sticking together through thick and thin. It means when you're prospering and even when you're on the verge of going down the tubes.
How far does covenant go? To any length. Do you know what would happen if the Body of Christ lived this way? There would be no needs. Why? Because we would all be sensitive to one another's needs.
I believe that God is saying to the household of faith that it's time to understand covenant relationship. We are living in times when we need one another more than ever before. We all have our own calling. We all have our own vision.
But we can't do it alone. We need to honor our covenant relationships. Remember, Jesus said that the world would know that we are Christians by our love for one another.
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