Rules without relationship creates rebellion. Yet relationship without rules creates chaos. Intentional living understands both and finds a healthy balance.

I’ve illustrated these concepts before in parenting. Early on, before the teen years, you give your children the rules of life: teaching them responsibility, holding them accountable through loving and nurturing consequences and instilling Godly values and beliefs.

It’s the “do and don’t” phase of parenting.

And by the time your children become teenagers, you’ve also established a relationship where they know you can be trusted and accept your authority.

It is in the context of that love-filled, trusting relationship that you are able to hold your children responsible as they start making decisions for themselves. They should know the rules and expectations in your home so that when you have to say “no” or correct their behavior, they know you’ll be true to your word.

This balance of rules and relationship also applies to the five essential areas of Intentional Living:
Faith
Following God’s rules for living from Scripture while deepening your relationship with Him through prayer and worship.
Family
Setting and honoring a family conduct for living while talking and listening to one another to see life through your family’s eyes.
Finances
Establishing spending and giving limits while using your friend and family relationships to hold you accountable and give feedback.
Health
Working toward fitness and healthy eating goals while keeping communication open with your doctor and mentors to help you meet those goals.
Work
Seeking to be an exemplary employee of integrity with workplace rules while having a respectful and professional relationship with supervisors and co-workers.

Tell Us

Applying both rules and relationship concepts to all areas of your life can be challenging. Where do you need help? Where have you found success?