The People God Uses
(The Spiritual Discipline of Community)
June 18 — Spiritual Disciplines | Discipleship in Real Life
Many people imagine spiritual growth as a private journey.
Me.
My Bible.
My prayers.
My relationship with God.
And certainly, there are deeply personal aspects of faith.
But Scripture consistently tells a larger story.
A story where people grow:
- together
- alongside one another
- through relationships
Community reminds us that God often shapes us through people as much as through private spiritual practices.
1. We Prefer Growth on Our Own Terms
One reason community can be difficult is that relationships rarely cooperate with our preferences.
People:
- misunderstand us
- disappoint us
- challenge us
- see things differently than we do
And because relationships require effort, it can feel easier to remain isolated.
But isolation limits formation.
Community stretches it.
2. Community Reveals What Solitude Cannot
Some things are only exposed through relationships.
Patience.
Forgiveness.
Humility.
Self-centeredness.
Compassion.
We may believe we are growing in these areas until another person enters the picture.
Then reality appears.
And that revelation becomes an opportunity for growth.
3. God Often Uses Ordinary People
Community does not require perfect people.
In fact, it never has.
Throughout Scripture, God consistently works through imperfect communities:
- disciples
- churches
- families
- friendships
Not because they are flawless.
Because they provide places where grace can be practiced.
4. Community Teaches Us to Love
Love sounds simple in theory.
It becomes more complicated in practice.
Community teaches us:
- to listen
- to serve
- to forgive
- to remain present
- to make room for others
Not because everyone deserves it perfectly.
Because this is how Christ loves us.
5. We Need Both Encouragement and Challenge
Healthy community provides both.
There are moments when we need:
- comfort
- prayer
- support
- understanding
And there are moments when we need:
- truth
- correction
- accountability
- honest reflection
Community helps provide both.
Not as control.
As care.
6. Community Requires Presence
One of the challenges of modern life is that it becomes easy to remain connected digitally while remaining distant relationally.
Community requires more.
Presence.
Showing up.
Listening.
Remaining engaged.
Faithfulness grows through shared life.
Not merely shared information.
7. A Practice for June 18
Today, intentionally engage someone in your community.
Not hurriedly.
Attentively.
Offer:
- encouragement
- listening
- prayer
- presence
Then ask:
“How might God be shaping both of us through this relationship?”
Remain open to what emerges.
The Invitation
June 18 reminds us that spiritual formation is not a solo project.
God often works through:
- friendships
- churches
- families
- mentors
- companions
The people around you are not interruptions to your spiritual growth.
They are often part of it.
Because faith grows stronger when it is lived together.
Monday through Saturday.
One relationship at a time.