Last week, the pastors and deacons of The Rock Church got away together. We went to Eden to spend some uninterrupted time together. For three days, we ate, sang, laughed, and prayed. We shared what the Lord was doing in our lives. There was even time for some brothers to golf and hike together. (It may not surprise you that I stayed back at the house to spend the afternoon with a cat who lived nearby.)
I drove home from our time together feeling loved, encouraged, and refreshed by the people Jesus had placed in my life. I left wanting MORE! A few days later (as I was leaving The Rock Men’s meeting), the feeling hit me again. The same thing happened the following Wednesday while I played games with my Small Group. Undeniably, I need more good and godly influences in my life.
As I write this, I feel blessed by the relationships God has placed around me inside the local church. The Lord continues to remind me that the Christian life is relational.
Be Devoted to Fellowship
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
This verse is certainly impossible to accomplish from a distance. There’s no way to experience this kind of relational care when you close the doors in your life. If I’m honest, it’s often difficult for me to make an effort to pursue others. Just like you, my schedule can easily be overwhelming. Juggling kids, work, wife, and life wears me out. This happens before the sun even rises! It’s easy to have a dozen reasons to throw in the towel when building relationships.
However, Jesus and the Scriptures remind me that there is an incredible benefit when we devote ourselves to fellowship with God’s people (Acts 2:42). It strengthens our faith. Also, it edifies us as we listen and learn from one another. Additionally, it protects us from isolation and loneliness.
I know I had the incredible privilege of spending three days in a massive vacation home with friends. But whether you have three days, three hours, or three minutes, I believe the Lord will bless your efforts to spend quality time with other believers. What could that look like for you today, this week, or this weekend?
I’d love to hear from you — how have God’s people refreshed you lately?
Posted in A Word from the Pastor