Today marks the final post in our 5-day mini-series, A Kickstarter For Your Soul. Each day, we’re looking at a short scripture, quote from a Christian leader on some aspect of keeping God first in our Christian lives, then closing with a challenge.
On our last day, we look at the connection between Christian community and knowing God better.
Scripture
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. (James 1:19)
Community Strengthens Our Relationship With God
Living in community is another feature that both expresses and strengthens my engagement with God. I try to ask questions of those who are around me, particularly regarding the things I am doing and the projects I am developing. One discipline which becomes a good metric of my spiritual health is whether the people around me experience me as quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19). A robust ecclesiology [theology as applied to the structure of the church] means God often whispers through the voices of those around us.
— Dave Harvey
author of When Sinners Say I Do
Today’s Challenge
- How often, and sincerely, do you invite others to offer feedback on the things most important to you?
- Ask two people who know you well the following question: ‘Do you think I listen well, am slow to speak and offer advice, and, am slow to become angry and impatient?’ (Feel free to use your own words, of course.)
What You (Might Have) Missed
Here are links to Days 1-4:
- Day 1 – Uncovering Our Idols (from Tremper Longman, Professor of Old Testament)
- Day 2 – Tip on Prayer (from Philip Ryken, President of Wheaton College); you can also see what God showed me, and, add your own thoughts, by looking at the comments section.
- Day 3 – The Value Of Fasting
- Day 4 – Deep Rest From A Tech-Free Sabbath
- The ideas and tips from this week’s mini-series all come from the newly-released Keeping God First project. You can get it for free just below this post.
So, that’s it, the end of our 5-day mini-series about keeping God first in our lives. My goal has been to help you (and myself) take small, bite-sized steps in that direction.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, and any feedback from trying to apply the tips in these posts, in the comments below.
Talk to you soon!
Bryan this was a great read. As a younger man, this is a great reminder and a call to continued listening. My passion is seeing intergenerational churches and intergenerational relationships in church, and this James passage is so crucial in both I think. Love the connection to “robust ecclesiology.” Will be following along and sharing.
Hey Zach, thanks for reading and your words of encouragement. I’m glad you found the quote and scripture from James helpful, and I agree that listening is so very important. Especially when different people or groups may not be a natural ‘fit’.
I really appreciate your heart for intergenerational churches and relationships there. It sounds so obvious, but in my experience (and probably yours) it seems most churches are fairly narrow in who actually shows up. Just curious, how did this focus become a passion for you?