Refining Relationships

Re:Verse passage – 2 Thessalonians 2:13–17; Hebrews 5:11–13; Romans 16:17–18 day four) 

Discipleship is one of the primary ways we can keep from becoming stagnant or “dull of hearing,” as the writer of Hebrews says. When we allow our spiritual life to be reduced to an individualistic experience, we lose out on the refining that comes through Christ-centered relationships. When I’m content to keep time in prayer and Scripture reading just to myself, when I show up to church without truly engaging in community, and when I don’t engage in intentional discipleship relationships, I’m not challenged in the way I ought to be. I make excuses for myself, I don’t get my sin into the light as quickly, and I’m not as motivated to grow in holiness. Deep relationships are required for us to move from spiritual milk to solid food. They’re required for pursuing and knowing the truth. They’re required for a vibrant Christian life. If you feel stagnant in your spiritual growth, prayerfully consider how the Lord might be leading you into deeper relationships.