If you hang around Missio for more than five minutes, you’ll hear it:
We are formed by God, together, for the sake of others.
The middle part — together — might be one of the the most neglected piece of discipleship in modern life. Does it sound too bold? I’m sticking by it
We love the idea of “personal growth.”
We love podcasts and personal development plans and solo retreats (and those aren’t bad).
We love to customize the experiences we give ourselves to.
We love enneagrams, personal assessments, and anything that tells us the story of us.
But here’s the truth:
You can’t be formed into the likeness of Jesus in isolation.
Let me say it again for those in the back, You can’t be formed into the likeness of Jesus in isolation.
The fruit the Spirit produces (Galatians 5) isn’t produced in a vacuum. And it definitely isn’t proven in isolation. It’s shown in the carpool line when you’re late and everyone’s cranky. It’s shown when someone overlooks you for a promotion. It’s shown when forgiveness isn’t a theory but a choice you have to make with real tears looking into real eyes of a real friend. It’s shown when the invitation to serve in a way you think is beneath you presents itself.
I think you get it.
Growth happens best with people. It’s how God designed it. Growth happens as we submit to the Spirit alongside a community of people. All through the biblical story God has been forming a community and it’s that community who, in shared life, are a public witness to the goodness of God and the beauty of his kingdom. Yep, the life of a disciple is spent with people.
Messy, beautiful, frustrating, hilarious people.
People who stretch you.
People who call out your blind spots.
People who offend you.
People who remind you that you are more loved than you dare to even believe.
People who point you back to Jesus and his incredible grace.
People who remind you the kingdom of God is here and keep you alert to what he is doing- even when you struggle to see it.
And if that sounds hard — that’s ok.
It’s going to be.
But it’s also good. And beautiful. And worth It
My encouragement is this…
Stick around.
Don’t opt out.
Lean into being formed by God- together.