Life out of the vacuum

I was having a conversation this past week with a good friend about something that was of deep concern to me. In my struggle and attempt to process what I was going through, I told him I didn’t want to be shaped in a vacuum — I need close friends who care deeply about the same things I cared about.  These are the kinds of people I need to invite into my life.  When I do, I “do life better,” than if I live it by myself.

 We aren’t created to live in a vacuum.  We aren’t intended to figure this all out on our own.  Yet, people do it all the time.  We live in a culture that doesn’t do relationships very well.  I’m not sure what is responsible for that, and I don’t want to demonize any one thing or person.  What I do know is that the times I’ve found myself wandering and feeling lost, I was also alone.

 
I need friends in my life to make sure this doesn’t happen.  So do you. 

 There is an old book, actually a very old book now, written by a faculty member at then Point Loma Nazarene College entitled, We Really Do Need Each Other.  In it, author Rueben Welch, writes:

                “Jesus brings to us, into our world, all the way into our world, the very life of God.

                And the life He brings is a shared life – and it always creates community.
                It isn’t Jesus and me, it’s Jesus and we.  We really do need each other.
                God has made us this way.  The quality of life within the fellowship of those
                who share the life of Jesus is to be one of openness and confession and honesty
                before Him.”

I believed what he wrote when I first read it over 25 years ago, and I still believe it.  We are not supposed to do life alone!

Following revival, I’m inviting, encouraging, and even exhorting (a good biblical word) you to not try and do this on your own.  Connect somewhere, with someone, who wants more than anything to follow in the way of Jesus, and will help you as you journey together, helping each other make this a reality.  I don’t care what it looks like — floor Bible studies, a D-group, Sunday School class, small group, group of friends, or intramural team. What it is doesn’t matter; that you do it, does.  As a matter of fact, I think your spiritual life depends on it. 

The enemy’s best weapon is isolation, keeping us from those who can help us along the way.  I’m encouraging you to come out of the vacuum and enter into relationships that can help you sustain your spiritual life.  How and where?  Here are some quick ways: 

• Find a D-group.  The staff in our office can help you get in touch with a D-group leader and location. 
• Talk to your RD/RA about a floor Bible study.
• Contact the church you’re attending so you can get connected to a small group or Sunday School.   If you’re not attending, start.

Oh, and don’t wait — do it this week!