Partnership is about friendship
Sunday, October 24, 2010 at 11:53AM 
Perhaps this post is an expression of my age, an insight into my generation.
This week at the Lausanne Congress has been truly wonderful in most ways! The connections, new friendships, and deepening of relationships have been great!
But among that I have also encountered some folks here who have been much more interested in themselves, their ministry, their 'big idea', than they are in others.
Their approach comes across as functional - they engage me so that they can use what I have to further their cause. I can tell that they want to be connected with someone more important than me. They have little interest in me, my family, and God's calling for my life - I'm a tool, a stepping stone, a connection along the way.
I want to encourage Christians to adopt the attitude of Christ that Paul writes about Phil 2.3-4, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others".
So here's my point, I would love to serve you. I recognise that I too am prone to putting tasks and goals above relationships. I'm trying to adopt the power of the trinity's life - power in relationship. So please do contact me if I can connect with you. Please drop me a note if I have something that can help you in any way. But please let us remember that partnership is about friendship first!
Everybody is good at some things, and needs the help of others with some things. In God's eyes we're all valuable in spite of our titles, positions, influence, opportunity or lack thereof. I pray that I will recognise that truth in the lives of those among whom I have the privelage of living each day!
This picture shows a few of our digital communications team having fun together!
. They are such a wonderful example of a true partnership. Good friends who get things done for God's Kingdom. It has been a blessing to serve in this team!
Reader Comments (3)
Of all the many items that I have read over the years that you have written, I have found this the most honest and meaningful - for me! I am constantly saddened by the way in which we have traded the concept of using all "things" (be it success, achievement, money,whatever) to love people to using all people to love "things".
Thank you Dion, for though you and I do not know each other the way you know more important people :) you have taken time to connect with me and care for me.
I pray that i might be a little more like Jesus in simply loving God, people and God's creation more because of this word!
Thanks for your insight on Cape Town Dion. I too see the need for relationship, friendship and christlikeness. I am sitting here with your book on "work" and will find the time to read it shortly. I look forward to meeting up with you again and having further global collaberation on the "workplace".
John
Hi Andre and John,
Andre, thanks for the kind comment. I appreciate your honesty and feedback. I am on a long and delicate journey away from my ego towards the mind of Christ. Sometimes I manage, at other times I fall back into old habits!
John, it was so good to be at Lausanne together! Thank you for your willingness to read Transform your work life - I am passionate about getting more and more Christians to join me in using their existing skills, gifts and network of relationships to establish God's Kingdom in tangible and significant ways!
I look forward to staying in touch!
Rich blessing from a glorious Cape Town!
Dion