I’m privileged to be a part of a particular faith community that puts a high value on relationships. Within the church context, it is possible to enjoy all the perks that come with huge facilities, good programs, and the latest cutting-edge technologies, but without the connection that comes only through purposeful relationahips something will always be lacking. Let’s admit it, we need each other.

“…the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:16)

The Body of Christ is God’s idea, not ours. We are instructed to “assemble” ourselves accordingly. There is great wisdom and purpose in this command, and if we will heed it, we will position ourselves for an incredible benefit that cannot be achieved any other way.

There is a “flow” that comes to us directly from God in a vertical manner. We are challenged to keep this channel open by cultivating and maintaining a devotional life of worship, prayer, and study. However, we cannot afford to overlook the indirect flow of the life of God that comes to us horizontally from those we are connected to relationally. These channels also must be kept open to insure an unhindered movement of God’s life from member to member.

The challenge to sustain connectedness with each other is a powerful tool that God uses to mature us into His likeness. It is not always easy, nor is it designed to be. When we manifest the prayer that Jesus prayed for us in John 17, others will take notice and believe that the Father has sent the Son.

“I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.” (v.20, 21)

Check out other great articles from Grace Community Fellowship:

Spiritual Warfare: The Field Manual

Apostolic Perspectives: Leadership After God’s Heart

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