Four Relationship Ideas For Spiritual Growth
Jim Ladd
Would you like to grow more in the Lord than ever before? Are there walls you continue to bump into that you would love to permanently remove from your life? Are there residual issues from hurts, habits and hangups that continue to hound you on occasion? Would you like to see the character of Jesus formed in you in a more permanent and consistent way?
If you answered, “yes” to any of these questions, here are four laws of spiritual formation that you should consider:
Spiritual Formation requires the participation of others and cannot be fully built alone in your garage.
A commitment to self-awareness and hard work are required for success.
Vulnerability and transparency, at appropriate levels, are non-negotiable for ultimate freedom and growth.
You are a river, not a reservoir. God intends to pour into you so that you also pour into others. Standing waters become stagnant and you must be a giver as well as a receiver.
So here are four models worth considering to begin some partnerships in your own growth, and in helping others grow as well.
Micro Groups. You can get the deets here, but this is a relationship with one, or at the most two, friends of the same sex to meet weekly, read scripture between meetings, share your growth, answer some discipleship questions, and learn to serve your Oikos well. This is the most radical of the four options and, correspondingly, the most powerful.
Three Relationships Every Christian Needs: We all need a Paul, a Barnabas, and a Timothy. A Paul is a person who is further on the journey of faith than you, who can help speak leadership and development into your life. A Barnabas is a friend alongside you who can encourage you and be a support to you. And a Timothy is a younger-in-the-faith person in whom you are investing for their growth and development. This idea comes from Dr. Howard Hendricks and is a great target for all of us.
A Personal Board of Advisors. I encourage our High School Seniors to assemble and adjust throughout life, a group of personal advisors, each with a specialty that can help them succeed. For example, a person who is strong in finances and money management; a person further in their marriage who can help you learn all you can to be a great marriage partner; a person further in your career path who can advise you, etc. All of them should be strong followers of Jesus and on your speed dial for advice when needed.
A Personal Life Coach or Spiritual Director. This is a person, sometimes fee-based, who has the unique and powerful skills of asking the right questions, noticing the patterns in your life, and able to draw the very best out of what God has put inside you. Mentors pour in, and coaches draw out. A coach knows that you have all the ability and Holy Spirit help to move forward - their job is to help you process your thinking and discernment so that you can lead your life very well.
The bottom line is that we were made for community and we all need various people at various times to help us get where God is calling us to go. Some of these people will be lifers and on the whole journey with us, while others will be partners for a season.
In the counsel of many, there is wisdom. Don’t miss out on it and don't fail to offer it to others!