Relationship Non-negotiables

Truth In Relationships

With the holidays upon us we will have many opportunities to relate to people. Here are some thoughts on relationships taken from my husband’s book: “The Ten Critical Laws of Relationship”.

• You will become like those with whom you associate.

• The quality of your life is greatly dependent upon those you call “friend”. Our closest allies must prize integrity above relationship.

• Always be cautious of someone who wants from you what he himself is unwilling to give.

• The level of commitment to truth determines the level of intimacy that two can enjoy in any relationship.

• Every relationship you have is either drawing you closer to or further away from God’s perfect will for your life.

• Never make the pleasurable people of your present pay for the painful people of your past.

• The kind of requirements you place upon others reveals the kind of person you are yourself.

• Watch what a person does and stop listening to what a person says.

• You will suffer both the consequences and rewards of those who are closest to you.

• Never allow the invitation of intimacy to be destroyed by the contempt of familiarity.

• Only when I properly posture myself am I able to truly give or receive in relationship.

• Future access will always be granted the moment you choose to bring pleasure to those who are important to your life.

• Every relationship feeds a strength or a weakness within you.

• The reward of any relationship is determined by the value that is placed upon it.

• Respect is magnetic. It will attract people, while disrespect will repel them.

The Non-negotiables of Relationship

1. Personal Integrity

• Our personal allies must prize integrity above relationship.
• When you compromise, you may get what you want, but you will lose what you had.
• Always be cautious of someone who wants from you what they are unwilling to give.
   To walk through life according to principle often means you must walk alone.

2. A Giving Attitude

• Whatever you make happen for others, God will make happen for you.

3. Unwavering Commitment to Truth

• The level of commitment to truth determines the level of intimacy that two can enjoy in any relationship.
   Your associations will determine your assimilations.

4. Long-term Perspective

• Every relationship you have is either drawing you closer to or farther from God’s perfect will for your life.
• I never make the pleasurable people of my present pay for the painful people of my past.

5. The Passionate Pursuit of Distinction

• A casual attitude toward life will only lead to a place of disappointment and defeat.

6. A Kingdom Mentality

• The kind of requirements you place upon others reveals the kind of person you are yourself.
   Watch what a person does and stop just listening to what a person says.
• I will experience my greatest moments and fulfill the destiny to which I have been called only as I remain faithful to divinely ordained relationships.

Excerpt from The Ten Critical Laws of Relationship by Robb Thompson.