DTR - Defining The Relationship

Some of you may not recognize the acronym D.T.R. -- it stands for Defining The Relationship.  Young single men dred the DTR conversation.  It makes them so uncomfortable they postpone, run away, or put off the DTR for as long as possible.  In fact, some men are so afraid of the DTR that they will terminate the relationship if they feel the DTR conversation is imminent.  

The DTR is an official conversation that takes place at some point in a romantic relationship to determine the level of commitment.  You define the relationship to determine the level of commitment, see where things stand.  Is it a casual relationship or is it a committed one?

It's important to Define The Relationship to see if you have moved past infatuation and admiration towards a deeper, more devoted, committed relationship.  If the relationship is one of convenience, just a casual weekend thing, you might become anxious and uncomfortable with the DTR.  You may even have a fight or flight response.

Some of you may have those same feelings in the next few weeks, because we’re going to have a little DTR talk. I want you to Define the relationship between you and Jesus. What exactly is the commitment level? Now I’m going to warn you that some of you are going to get a little uncomfortable, a little anxious…you may even have a fight or flight response because you kind of like the current arrangement you have with Jesus. He seems like a good guy – and you like having something to do on the weekends – what it comes down to is this - you want to have a relationship with Jesus with all the benefits but none of the commitment.

A No Strings Attached arrangement – where you can connect with him from time to time – but it doesn’t really mess with your life. You want to be a fan of Jesus – but not a follower. In Luke 9:23 Jesus put it this way “If anyone would come after me he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me”.  Followers deny themselves, take up their cross and follow him... A fan is simply defined as an enthusiastic admirer. 

And the DTR question is this: 

ARE YOU A FAN OR A FOLLOWER?

For the full message shared on 01-27-13 at First Church of God, Racine, WI; go to:
DTR - Defining The Relationship

(Resources: Kyle Idleman "Not A Fan")