In Sunday School today we discussed the terms “covenant” and “contract” to learn how we relate to God and how we ought to relate to each other.  In doing a word search I learned that the word “covenant” is almost exclusively used in a religious context.  Since I am trying to make this blog interesting to readers of all faith perspectives, I want to spend time with you today thinking about “covenant” without putting it in the context of a faith community.

At its root in a covenant there are two parties.  Each party agrees to do something and both parties are intended to be better off working together than they would be working alone.  Let’s take this example: My friend needs someone to drive his children school because the time of getting to school conflicts with the time he is due at work.  I agree to drive his children to school and ask that in return since I have no mechanical skills the father of the children will do repairs on my car.  The father benefits because his children get to school safely and dependably.  The driver benefits because he knows his car will be repaired when needed.  For each of them this is a “WIN-WIN” agreement.

In the example I have crafted above neither party is forced to share in the agreement.  But both parties can have a high level of trust that each will hold up their end of the covenant.  In my mind the mutual nature of a covenant stands out in stark contrast to some contracts where one of the parties is able to exercise some method of enforcement to make sure the other party conforms with the terms as stated.

I feel all of us would be better off in our relationships if we approached them from the covenant model rather than the contract model.  What do you think?  I’d love to hear your thoughts.