We live in a very individualistic society. We take it as a right to not have to let anyone into our lives. But, the biblical picture of how Christians are to function is different. We are the "body" of Christ. We are interdependent. We are given numerous "one another" commands in the New Testament. The author of Hebrews had a few things to say about the importance of "one another" in our spiritual growth.
So, it is safe to say that the Christian life, and Christian growth, is a community effort. This doesn't take away our personal responsibility to grow. And it doesn't give us the right to be busy-bodies (always in others business). But, contra our culture, it reminds us that we are to help each other grow. This is a means God has given us for our growth. What are some practical ways to take advantage of this means of growth this summer?
Summer book club
We are studying "How Can I Change?" during the month of May and discussing it. This book helps us look at Scripture's teaching on sanctification (growth in godliness). It provides practical application of God's Word to this area of growth. And, we are doing it together. So, join in if you can (get a book from Ben).
Hang out with other Christians your age (especially those in your church)
Invest in the lives of other people in a similar life situation as you at Grace Church. Being together will give you infinitely more opportunities to encourage one another than being a loner (obviously). I don't mean to imply that just hanging out at the movies will spur you on in your walk with Christ. What I mean is that being together to have fun and intentionally practice the "one anothers" of Scripture is important. Not that you keep a check-list of how many of the "one anothers" you practiced (that would decrease your number of friends quickly). Instead, you are looking for ways to serve and encourage each other when you are together and not just seeking your own "fun time."
Get to know older men and women in the congregation
Some of you might have trouble being with people your own age. God wants you to work on that. Others may have trouble being with others that are older and more mature. That is an area of growth too. As younger people in the congregation, we should see the older godly men and women as gifts to us. They can teach us much about God and his word and tell us about how they have learned to trust God and how they have seen him at work in all the trials and challenges of life. They can testify to the faithfulness of God. God can also use you to encourage them by your care and concern for them. So, look for opportunities on Sunday mornings, at church softball games, or Sunday lunches to get to know some of these more mature folks.
Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. (Hebrews 3:12-13)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
So, it is safe to say that the Christian life, and Christian growth, is a community effort. This doesn't take away our personal responsibility to grow. And it doesn't give us the right to be busy-bodies (always in others business). But, contra our culture, it reminds us that we are to help each other grow. This is a means God has given us for our growth. What are some practical ways to take advantage of this means of growth this summer?
Summer book club
We are studying "How Can I Change?" during the month of May and discussing it. This book helps us look at Scripture's teaching on sanctification (growth in godliness). It provides practical application of God's Word to this area of growth. And, we are doing it together. So, join in if you can (get a book from Ben).
Hang out with other Christians your age (especially those in your church)
Invest in the lives of other people in a similar life situation as you at Grace Church. Being together will give you infinitely more opportunities to encourage one another than being a loner (obviously). I don't mean to imply that just hanging out at the movies will spur you on in your walk with Christ. What I mean is that being together to have fun and intentionally practice the "one anothers" of Scripture is important. Not that you keep a check-list of how many of the "one anothers" you practiced (that would decrease your number of friends quickly). Instead, you are looking for ways to serve and encourage each other when you are together and not just seeking your own "fun time."
Get to know older men and women in the congregation
Some of you might have trouble being with people your own age. God wants you to work on that. Others may have trouble being with others that are older and more mature. That is an area of growth too. As younger people in the congregation, we should see the older godly men and women as gifts to us. They can teach us much about God and his word and tell us about how they have learned to trust God and how they have seen him at work in all the trials and challenges of life. They can testify to the faithfulness of God. God can also use you to encourage them by your care and concern for them. So, look for opportunities on Sunday mornings, at church softball games, or Sunday lunches to get to know some of these more mature folks.
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