A key to any relationship is fellowship. Spiritual, biblical, caring fellowship is the functional, practical core of a robust relationship. Whether you are married or have kids or close friends, it is active, animating, consistent fellowship that will keep the relationship alive and focused on God.
When this kind of relational emphasis becomes dormant or non-existent, that relationship is in danger of dying or at best becoming a pragmatic agreement between two people who are spiritually distant, while mutually agreeing they must press on and somehow co-exist until their common interests are no longer.
Typically the common interest in these diminishing relationships are children. And when the children begin to leave, it becomes evident to the pragmatic-partners that living together is no longer necessary and they soon part.
Others, who do not want the stigma of divorce, will choose to live a silent divorce in the home. Outwardly they may appear as one, but from every perceptive vantage point they are not. The deadening of their once alive animated center, where biblical fellowship was alive, is now gone. In short, God is not ruling their hearts to the degree where he is spilling out and into each other’s lives.
What are we do? This is a good question that has a simple but challenging answer. Here’s the thing to do. You must determine to make a plan to engage one another in biblical fellowship. Part of making a plan, with a fellowship-focus, is asking each other the right questions.
As you think about your soul and the souls of your friends here are some excellent questions to ask. Ask them first of yourself. Be aggressive and honest. Be specific and detailed. Challenge your soul during your quiet time. Take your notepad and pen with you. Make notes. Dig deep. Be broad. Don’t stop until you’re done.
Next?
Tell a trusted friend, preferably your spouse, if you are married. Then begin to seek out your friends and ask them these questions. Lead them. Serve them. Help them. And may both of you experience the joys of biblical fellowship. May your animating center come alive in God.
Here are some good questions to get you started:
- What specifically is God doing in your life?
- What has he taught you this week?
- How are you applying what you are learning? Detailed and with specificity.
- How have you failed in some area of spiritual or practical responsibility?
- How have you succeeded in modeling Christ to others? Your spouse? Children?
- What are your plans regarding our commission to go and make disciples?
- How can I help you in this area…apart from the obvious: praying?
- What are your inner struggles?
Now, go and practice…
Checkout some of our training videos on our YouTube Channel
