“The pandemic has made it clear that even if we can’t be a people gathered, we can still be a people connected.”
Remember those moments in class when the teacher would say, unexpectedly, something like, "Okay everyone, I'm going to break you into small groups for this next project." Yikes! If you were like me, those words sounded worse than nails on a chalkboard. I was not a fan of small groups in school, or anywhere else for that matter. How about you?
Pastor Holly and I talked the other day, recognizing the difficulty of organizing a system of groups that provide space for many different types of people at different seasons of life and different places in their spiritual walk with Jesus. No matter how you look at it, intentionally connecting with other people can be difficult, but please hear me on this; it's very necessary.
I don't believe it's a stretch to say that without the investment and influence of other people in your life, you won't see the growth and development, personally or spiritually, that could be possible. For many people, the most significant moments of change and transformation they can remember are directly connected with a person; a pastor, mentor, coach, teacher, close friend, small group, family member, etc. This realization is critical when it comes to our spiritual formation. Not only do we need the investment of others in our life, but we should be investing in people around us well.
The pandemic has made it clear that even if we can't be a people gathered, we can still be a people connected. We have many examples of this throughout scripture. Maybe the most obvious example is how Jesus spent much of his time with a small group of people in whom he invested heavily and eventually asked them, and by extension, us to carry on the job of sharing the good news to the world.
Another example comes from the book of Romans 1:10-12, where Paul writes, "One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours." Paul reveals a genuine sense of appreciation for the spiritual life of other people. Although he was an apostle sent by God to proclaim the good news throughout the known world, he valued and would profit from other believers' faith.
How about an example from the Old Testament that is often used in weddings, but when put in the context of this discussion, is powerful. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says, "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken."
Here at CrossView, we recognize the importance of making space in our lives for close personal relationships that will lead to transformation. We value the kind of close relationships where we let someone get to know us and speak deeply into our lives. We want to develop friendships where someone will listen without judgment, offers wise counsel but helps you make your own decision and loves you no matter what. This is not easy. For some of us, we have to choose to break out of our shells a bit and open up to others. However, when that happens, we can experience the Love of God in powerful ways and helps others do the same. Now that is something I can get behind.