Allies

Ever notice how most Christians look for “fellow sojourners” or “allies” in the church?   But what if a church doesn’t teach that the heart is central, or that the spiritual battle is real? Many churches focus on programs, busyness, social causes, teaching “sound doctrine” and so on. Nothing wrong with any of that, but take the heart out of “church” and it can become soul-killing. Where do we learn how to walk with God, from and with the heart?

Take it a step or two further.   How do you get to know several hundred or even several thousand other people beyond the superficial Sunday morning “Hello” and “Goodbye”? Where do you do “life together”?  How do you pray for one another, specifically and strategically?  When and where do they learn your story, and you learn theirs?

It could be in a small group. An “organic church.” A home fellowship, “cell group” or “fellowship hour” or a “growth group.”   Whatever you  call it, it has to be real and “bite-sized.”  It has to be small enough, yes, intimate enough to form authentic alliances.

It has to be in “a company of Christians.” These people must be open to being moved and changed by the works they’re reading, the parties they’re throwing, the plans they implement, by the stories and shared lives of the group. These clubs or groups or fellowships or friends don’t gather just to critique or plan or hang out, but to be transformed.  (See Romans 12:1,2.)

Do you have allies like that? If not, ask God to lead you to people who share a similar vision. Pray. Then – initiate.  Open your heart first.  Then open your doors… and watch God work.

Shared by Kristine.

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