If practical logistics/commitments were not an issue and you could live anywhere (have any lifestyle) you wanted, what would that look like?
My current answer to that question would look like a small, cottage-core cabin in the Canadian Prairies with a chocolate Labrador. Ideally, it’d be close enough to civilisation to be somewhat convenient… but far away enough that no one would bother me and I can live a beautiful hermit life in peace and quiet.
Yeah, I don’t think that will ever happen. Why? Not because it’s impossible to achieve, but I don’t think that would be very good for my spiritual life as a Christian.
As I continue to grow in my faith, I’m seeing more and more how my vertical relationship with God impacts my horizontal relationships with people around me. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together… but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” You can’t love and encourage other people if you withdraw from the community. You can’t be loved and encouraged if you never let others get close to you. As a naturally shy person, this is an area I am still learning to grow in. But be encouraged! God is very generous and if we ask him for help in prayer he is able to help us increase our capacity to love others better.
my vertical relationship with God impacts my horizontal relationships with people around me
As Christians, we are not called to live a comfortable and non-challenging life. We are called to deny ourselves daily and to sacrificially follow our Lord Jesus Christ. So, what might this look like practically?
Be more thick skinned – don’t be afraid of being a bit awkward and talk to others even if it doesn’t come naturally to you. The 60 second greeting on Sundays is a great way to start. Don’t sit down after 5 seconds. Make the most of the random question the service leader asks and have a conversation with someone around you.
Eat with others – depending on which Sunday service you go to, chances are you’ll need to have breakfast/lunch/dinner before or after the service. Why not eat with other church-goers? It doesn’t have to be every week, but once in a while is nice too.
Arrive earlier and stay later – you might be tempted to pat yourself on the back for not being late to a service, but have you thought that being punctual is kind of like the bare minimum? What if you arrived a few minutes earlier and chose a seat intentionally to meet more members of the church family? What if you stayed behind a bit afterwards to share reflections on the sermon with those sitting around you?
These are just some suggestions, but I think you get the idea. Here’s a challenge to put yourself out there this week and be open to letting others bother you – all for God’s glory!
