Partner with God's People

Before we jump into this week's post, we want to ask (again) for you to consider being a contributor to this blog in the month of October. We are looking for four writers who will share about hardship they have faced in life, and yet have become thankful for the way they grew through the hardship. So if you have faced hardship in your family, childhood, at work, or even in your faith, and are willing to share about it, send us an email.

There's an old adage (which is most likely an African proverb) you might be familiar with: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." When it comes to your spiritual growth and the pursuit of holiness, this adage seems to fit.

For years, cultural and political figures have said, "I'm a person of faith, but it's a private matter for me." I've known many a Christian who have repeated this sentiment through their words and actions. Yet, our faith isn't to be a private or solo endeavor.

Just look at Hebrews 10:24-25...

"[L]et us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

If you follow Jesus, you aren't to be pursuing holiness alone. You are to partner with fellow Jesus-followers by "stirring" them up to follow Jesus ("love and good works") while they do the same for you.

This goes for ALL of the "one anothers" we find in the New Testament. The call to...

• love one another (John 13:34-35)
• serve one another (Galatians 5:13)
• honor one another (Romans 12:10)
• bear one another's burdens (Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭2)
• and more

...are a call to partner with others in the pursuit of holiness.

This is why we strongly encourage everyone in the Riverwood family to join a Growth Group. Growth Groups provide the ideal environment to partner with God's people on the journey toward Christlikeness, using Scripture, prayer, and the practice of the "one anothers" as essential tools.

So don't try to follow Jesus alone. Your spiritual growth will go so much farther when you team up with God's people.