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by Dennis Wheeler
What did you express 'thanks' for during your Thanksgiving celebration? One of the aspects of my life that I praise God for on a daily basis (and not just at Thanksgiving) is for my many friends. I absolutely cherish my friends. I was so saddened this past weekend to hear that a good friend in Florence, Kentucky had passed away. Velma Kircher was not only a dear, sweet friend but she was my 'sister' in the Christian faith as well. I will miss her infectious laughter and positivie attitude.
Friends!
How many good friendships do you have? I can remember when I was younger I heard my dad say that if you could count the number of solid friendships you had on one hand - you were a blessed person.
I hear my youngest daughter talking with her friends on the telephone every night. Laughing, discussing homework, talking about teachers, etc. Those friendships are so very important.
The Bible even stresses the importance of having friends. In Ecclesiastes 4:9 we read..."Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one falls down, his friend can reach out and help. But people who are all alone when they fall are in real trouble." (NLT)
There is no doubt in my mind the key to a healthy spiritual walk with God is found in friendships that believers have with each other. A person can attend worship services every week...and yet never take time to cultivate actual and meaningful friendships with others in the Body of Christ. The end result of an 'unconnected life' is often loneliness and a misunderstanding of the Biblical concept of community.
Ponder this question: How can we relate to God if we don't relate to each other?
The Bible teaches that friendships are the things that make our faith stick. Jesus brought His disciples together with the end result being a changed world. But that change happened after years of relationship building with each other. Jesus encouraged and prayed for His followers, that they would have unity in heart and mind (John 17).
Now - I believe that John 17 is not a mandate that we all agree doctrinally, but this is a relational call to be 'in community' with teach other. Being 'in community' means...
- to love with 'agape' - whether you feel like it or not.
- to give up your comfort for the sake of others.
- to care more about others than even about ourselves.
Acts 2:42-47 describes a process whereby believers became one in 'heart & mind'. We are told they came together in houses and the marketplace, and that they shared everything - knowledge, learning, fellowship, fun and food. They met needs, communicated at a heart level and loved God in the process. For that reason, God added to their number "those who were being saved". That, my friends, describes the church 'in community'!!
Do you find yourself wishing for that kind of community? Do you have a desire to have friendships that matter? Then I challenge you to get involved in a small group Bible study at your church. I believe it is the Biblical way to find spiritual, emotional and relational health in the church. Accept the challenge...take the step...and get into a small group. Your life (and your church) will never be the same!!
He serves as the Senior Pastor with southwest Virginia church... a loving church family in Abingdon.
He and his wife Sharon have been married for over 27 years and are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, one son-in-law, and two precious grandchildren, the second arrived arrived on the scene in September 2004!!
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