Theme:   Blueprints for a Better Life - Life-Giving Relationships

Read: Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 4:24

Think: God is pretty serious about who He has designed us to be and using this lifetime to mold us into who that is. In fact in Scripture we’re taught:

We should honor God and try to be completely like him. ~ 2 Corinthians 7:1

God uses his Word (the Bible), people, and all we go through in this lifetime to mold us to become more like Jesus. All are important pieces of our character development. God’s Word provides the truth we need to grow, God’s people provide the support we need to grow, and circumstances provide the environment to practice being like Jesus. Pastor Ben talked this weekend about that third part of that whole molding process… life-giving relationships!

Maybe in the past you’ve been told that all you need in order to grow spiritually is Bible study and prayer. Those are critical things and good things to do as a follower of Christ. But honestly, some issues in life will never be changed by Bible study or prayer alone. God uses people.

Have you noticed He oftentimes works through the people in your life rather than perform miracles, or some big demonstration of His will? I believe He does that so we will depend on each other for what we often call in the church world “fellowship” which basically means friendships founded on faith that include care, community, support, and spiritual growth. He wants us to grow together.

In many religions, the people considered to be the most spiritually mature and holy are the people that isolate themselves. You’ve seen the mountaintop monasteries, or the long-bearded guru seated above it all. They are uninfected by contact with other people. But this seems to be a direct contradiction to what the Bible teaches… and how Jesus lived. Spiritual maturity isn’t a solitary, individual pursuit!

You cannot grow to be like Christ in isolation. It takes being around other people and interacting with them. You need to be a part of a church and community and a growth group. Why? Because true spiritual maturity is all about learning to love like Jesus, and you can’t practice being like Jesus without being in relationship with other people.

If you study and apply God’s Word, connect regularly with other believers, and learn to trust God in difficult circumstances, I guarantee you will become more like Jesus. And that’s what this lifetime is all about!

Do: Inventory the relationships in your life. How have they helped you become more like Jesus?

Pray: God, show me if there is more I need to do to be intentional about being with your people. I want to be more like You Lord, to love like You do, to live a life that honors You! Help me to develop the friendships and community right here at Timberlake Church that will bring me closer to that goal. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.