“Fear of the Lord lengthens one’s life, but the years of the wicked are cut short. The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing.” (Proverbs‬ ‭10:27-28‬ ‭NLT)

Yesterday afternoon I listened to a Ted Talk based on a seventy-five year long study of Harvard students and Harlem kids. A team of researchers had interviewed these two groups every two years since the 1940’s. They had also collected physicals, blood work and general data. The major result of their findings? They learned that the people who had heavily invested in relationships were generally happier, healthier and lived longer. The people that had invested in career and pursuit of fame or wealth generally lived shorter, unhappier and less healthy lives. It didn’t really matter what these folks did or earned, it was the quality of their relationships that affected their overall happiness and longevity.

It’s funny how we need committed researchers to conclude what God’s Word says. Relationships are everything. Isn’t that what Jesus taught?

“Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”” (Matthew‬ ‭22:37-40‬ ‭NLT‬)

If we get these two instructions right, we get everything right. When we live in the light of the greatest commandment, we generally live long and happy lives. We definitely live long and happy eternities.

Yesterday’s Ted Talk got me wondering, and maybe now you, too. How are we doing in our relationships? How well are we valuing, treasuring others? How can we grow in our affection for family, friends and neighbors (whomever is in front of us today)?

Lord, please expand our hearts for You and Your Kingdom. Help us see people with Your eyes. Let us understand that investments in people are, in fact, investments in eternity. Never let us tire of making those investments. May we know, firsthand, the joy of loving well, because that’s how we learn to live well. We want our one life to honor You. Amen.