Blog by Megan Paraiso
We are better together. I have only come to realize this truth the past few years. Relationships at one point meant only hanging out when it was convenient for me or if I had nothing better to do. I could occupy myself just fine or hang out with my family and I was content. I would get a phone call almost every weekend from my grade school bestie wanting to get together, and 90% of the time, turn her down. I honestly don’t know how I kept her around all these years, but thank God she stuck it out! I was an introverted homebody. I placed little value on relationships. I did not want to be self-centered – I was just oblivious to the fact that I was self-centered.
Only after coming into our church and sitting under Godly counsel and teaching did I realize how important relationships really were. Now when I look at how I’ve built my life, the people around me are what define much of it. Godly relationships, especially ones within our respective church body, will take us to new levels of intimacy with Him. They will keep us humble and understanding of our calling. They will challenge us in ways we wouldn’t dare challenge ourselves. We often put so much emphasis on “God’s will for our life”, and what He want us to do. Sometimes all He is wanting us to do is seek Godly counsel from those who know our track record and will give it to us straight.
Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
I have work to do when it comes to building great relationships, but I’ve come a long way in how much value I place on it. I’ve never been more content in who I am in God because of this. I pray that you place high value on the godly relationships in your life. And not just any godly relationship, but godly relationships with people in your church home, who have the same mission and vision as you do. Those who are planted in the same soil as you and speak the same language as you. Let us not be people who seek all of our wisdom from outside sources, but let us seek it from the church God has placed us in…after all, that IS one of the reasons God created and has put so much emphasis on the local church. What would the church be if it weren’t a place for edifying ourselves as Christians? And we are not just edified by the teaching and preaching of the word, but also by the relationships God has surrounded us with. We need relationships and we need relationships with like-minded people.
Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
Let’s pray together, girls!
God I thank you for my church. I thank you that you placed specific people in my life for a reason and you have given me a specific calling. Help me to foster those relationships and that calling by being honest and open with the people who hold me accountable, by reaching out to the people in my world, by staying planted in my church. Give me wisdom when it comes to seeking Godly counsel and friendships. Help me to not just be a better friend, but be a better Christian by keeping a soft heart and being steadfast even when it’s not what I want to do or what I want to hear. Thank you for your goodness. Thank you for where you have placed me. It is not just coincidence, but divine intention. As I stay planted, continue to speak to me and bless me! In your holy name, AMEN!