The other day, as my mom and I were leaving the mall, I pulled out of a parking space and began driving down the aisle. My mom thought I was going the wrong direction and said as much. As it ended up, I wasn’t going the wrong direction, but I said with a smile, “Thank you for being willing to tell me you thought I was going in the wrong direction…” and it hit me—in a parking lot or in life, my mom would tell me when she believed I was taking the wrong path, and I am able to hear and accept her words because she has established a right, God-centered relationship with me that has developed over the years–one of trust, encouragement, consistency, love, generosity…
This is to be the same amongst believers. James says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16a This kind of accountability can only happen when we are in right relationship with God and others. It is unlikely fellow believers will confess their struggles and sins to us if our relationship with them or God is “no good”; this is tragic because we are not meant to deal with our burdens alone.
Today, consider two things…the first: Are you walking close to God? Is your line of communication clear and your heart clean? If so, James says your prayers will be “powerful and effective” (James 5:16b). The second: Are you good with others? Take time today to renew or establish relationships.
–Katie Botello
