It is not good that man should be alone. Genesis 2:18 (ESV)
God never intended for us to live lives of isolation separated from one another. No; from the very foundations of the world, God intended for his creation to be connected to him as well as one another.
Very recently, my little family had an outing. My daughter, being a few years older than my son and thus faster, walked ahead of the spot where my husband and I were keeping pace with our preschooler.
When she got a considerable distance ahead, I called out to her. “Sweetie,” I somewhat yelled, “stay with the rest of us. There is safety when you stay with the group.”
She ran back and maintained pace with us and her brother. As she did, I began to ponder the words I’d just spoken and how they apply to community keeping with God and other believers.
Safety in Numbers
There is safety when you stay with the group. I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 4:12, which reads:
And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him — a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (ESV)
The body of Christ is stronger — and safer — when it stands together. We are able to support one another in fulfilling purpose, and in doing so, we also receive support to fulfill the callings God has placed on our own lives. There’s no lack amongst believers when everyone is putting their heads and resources together.
We are able to cope with life’s ebbs and flows when we know there are others with us that we can depend on to encourage and even pray for us when we need it.
The Most Important Relationship
The most important relationship a follower of Christ should have is with Christ himself. Jesus says in John 14:23 that if we love him we should keep his word and expect that he will make a home with us. That speaks to Jesus having a relationship with us.
Our relationship with Jesus also helps us to have better relationships with one another. He is the example we should look to for how to operate in this life. The close, intimate relationships Jesus had with his disciples, both collectively and individually, should be the standard we hold ourselves to for building relationships with others.
Jesus taught, cared for, and prayed for his disciples. He also told them that they would do greater works than he did (see John 14:12). We’re included in that as well.
The Benefits of Godly Relationships
We receive benefits when we are connected to God and a body of believers. I mentioned one earlier: the support we receive to live a life of purpose. But there are other benefits as well.
We Are Guaranteed to Receive Prayer
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16 (ESV)
We should absolutely be careful with who we confess our shortcomings to, but when we find a mature, accountable brother or sister in Christ, we should trust that what we choose to divulge to them is kept in confidence. We should be sure that they will petition God on our behalf because we see the fruits of prayer in their lives.
We Are Guaranteed Victory
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:11 (ESV)
This scripture is one of my favorites. Relationship with God and sharing the things that he has done in our lives with those we are in relationship with guarantees us victory.
We Are Guaranteed that Jesus Will Intercede on Our Behalf
Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died — more than that, who was raised — who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Romans 8:34 (ESV)
Having a relationship with Jesus means that he will intercede on our behalf to the Father. I don’t know about you, but knowing that the Son is so concerned about me that he petitions the Father on my behalf gives me such peace and reverence for him.
We are made to be in relationships, and there are indeed benefits to being godly connected. If we’re not connected to God and his body of believers, we are connected to something else. Who are you in relationship with?
Featured photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash; In-text photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Have You Heard About The Follower of One Community?
Join a community of like-minded believers who believe in being full-time ministers in the marketplace. You can also take part in a virtual Marketplace Mission Trip. Sound exciting? Head over to the Follower of One community!
Learn about Follower of One’s Marketplace Mission Trip here.
