The ladies in my church are doing a summer virtual study on Philippians. We aren’t having meetings, but are to do it on the same schedule…and as we feel led to share, we can post our thoughts on our women’s Facebook page. Kinda of a nice way to be held accountable without the structure of a meeting during the summer…not everyone posts, but I know they are working on it.
Anyway, Paul is so amazing in his encouragement to the Philippians. His love for Christ fuels his desire for others to know and understand His love as well. So far in this study (and we are only in chapter 1), I have been sharply reminded that I need to pursue deepening relationships with people…God is glorified through this…because as we love each other, we “…approve what is excellent…” and are “…filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Phil. 1:11). And to add to that, in the deepening of relationships, He causes us to grow spiritually as individuals.
I share all of this to preface that I struggle with focusing on relationships. I become so content with the quiet of alone, and the restfulness of my own surroundings, that I have to make a conscious decision to engage with people. I am not trying to be snobby or ignore anyone, it just doesn’t come natural to me. I know lots of people who love to always be around others…that is how they get their energy….but surely there are some of you out there who are like me. Not averted to being around others, but just content with being alone.
So…learning from Paul, and from the overall teaching in the Bible that God is a God of relationships (I mean really…He actively pursued relationships with Adam, Noah, Abraham, etc…etc…), I forge to consciously improve my relationships with my church family, friends, etc…will you help me? Please tell me I am not alone in this.
