In life and business, capital is often seen as financial resources, but there is a deeper, more foundational capital—Relational Capital. This is the value derived from meaningful relationships built on trust, cooperation, and shared values. It is the capital that drives every other form of success.
Why Relationships Matter
Mark 2:1-8 illustrates how the right relationships can make all the difference. The paralyzed man couldn’t walk, but his friends tore through a roof to bring him to Jesus. This is the power of having “roof-tearing” friends—people willing to go the extra mile for you.
On the other hand, in John 5, the man at the pool of Bethesda had been there for 38 years with no one to help him. His lack of relational capital kept him stagnant.
The Choice of Relationships
Psalm 1:1-3 highlights three categories of people:
- The Righteous – Those who walk in godly counsel.
- The Sinful & Scornful – Those who mock and lead others astray.
- The Ungodly – Those who disregard God’s principles.
Success in life is largely determined by the relationships you choose. Studies show that 90% of failures in vocations are due to an inability to get along with others. The higher you aim in life, the more you must invest in people.
Types of Relationships
- Mutualism (Win-Win) – A symbiotic, growth-oriented relationship.
- Exploitative (Parasitic) – One benefits at the expense of the other.
- Saprophytic – A survival-based relationship where one clings to the other.
To thrive, develop your relational skills and intentionally invest in valuable connections. Success is not just about what you know—it’s about who you know and how well you nurture those relationships.