Fellowship with Other Believers

The band Jesus Culture sings a song called "Holy Spirit." There is one specific verse that I want to focus on tonight. It says, "Let us become more aware of Your presence. Let us experience the glory of Your goodness." Doing these things, and allowing Him to change us, is critical to growing in our relationship with Him and in our relationship with others.

Acts 2:42-44, 47 says: "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common...And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." (NIV)

Fellowship with others who will have a positive influence on you is very important. That is hard sometimes, especially if you are new to a town or organization, and I speak from experience. But fellowship with fellow believers can help you to grow spiritually, which will in turn overflow to other areas of your life. Maxwell says, "A life of continual growth is never easy, but a good environment makes the swim upstream a little less difficult."

He also notes, "If your current circumstances do nothing to help you grow, you're going to have a hard time enlarging yourself to reach your potential." To enrich yourself and your circumstances, spend time in fellowship with other believers who will support you and help you. This can help you to create a better environment for yourself, one that will help you grow closer to God and to others.

Maxwell lists eight characteristics of an environment conducive to growth (each is a direct quote):

1. Others are ahead of you.
2. You are still challenged.
3. Your focus is forward.
4. The atmosphere is affirming.
5. You are out of your comfort zone.
6. Others are growing.
7. There is a willingness to change.
8. Growth is modeled and expected.

Reflect on these questions: "Does your environment include the characteristics listed above? Which ones can be improved?"

After thinking about them and answering honestly, pray this prayer: Father, please help me to have more meaningful fellowship with other believers, and allow it to make us all grow spiritually and enrich our lives. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

God bless you!