The Glocal Brief on: Relationships
(This post was originally shared in my e-newsletter “The Glocal Brief”. You can sign up to receive weekly emails with tools on how to live as a globally-minded Christian who is active in your local context by clicking here.)
The power of relationships.
In a world that is increasingly becoming more and more individualistic, deep relationships with friends and family are becoming more rare every year. Our world is - in many ways - pulling us apart and isolating us from others.
Technology takes up more and more of our time.
Housing is separating us from others with fences and back porches rather than yards and front porches.
Social media friends are replacing relationships in real life.
News and politics are polarizing us.
Careers and "hustle" culture are dominating our time and energy.
Shopping and meals are now easily engaged in online, via delivery, and with headphones in.
We are always becoming something - whether we are becoming made more in the image of God or something else is the question.
In our Christian journey, relationships and community are pivotal to growing in our faith, loving others, and loving God.
Relationships are essential. We need each other.
This edition of the Glocal Brief is on: Relationships.
Relationships and Evangelism
I recently read the book Cities of God: The Real Story of How Christianity Became and Urban Movement and Conquered Rome by Rodney Stark on the spread of Christianity in the first few centuries after Jesus' life on Earth. Looking historically and sociologically at the growth of Christianity, Rodney Stark maps out why Christianity grew in some areas and what did and didn't impact evangelism in those early years of the Christian faith.
One of his most intriguing discoveries is that the rate of conversions to Christianity was the same in cities that Paul spent time in when compared to cities that Paul never visited. This points to the fact that while Paul impacted Christianity in big and amazing ways, he did not singlehandedly transform cities for Christ.
Christianity in the early years was spread because of the faithful witness of everyday believers who loved neighbors, cared for the poor and needy, and shared the Good News of Jesus of Nazareth.
Christianity grew at the rate of friendship.
And that is not only something that was true two millennia ago, it is also true today. For most of us who follow Jesus, we do so because of someone else sharing with us the love of Jesus in word and deed.
Creating Life Change
Relationships don't only play a positive role in sharing the love of Jesus. Relationships are key to any major transformation in our lives - from health and nutrition to education and character.
When it comes to breaking cycles of generational poverty, relationships play a significant role in life change.
Shepherd Community Center in Indianapolis identifies relationships as one of the 10 Assets for Poverty Alleviation. In their words: "Relationships provide critical help in times of need, stress, and crisis."
You can listen to their podcast episode on this important life asset by clicking here.
The Importance of Prayer
One of the essential parts of our journey with Jesus is spending time in God's presence in prayer and with God's Word. If human relationships help spur on change (good or bad) in our lives, our relationship with Jesus will do so in even more impactful ways as we grow in our Christian walk.
But that requires spending time with God - in prayer, Scripture, worship, service, and Christian community.
Prayer is necessary as a disciple of Jesus. Not because we earn God's love through it, but because we experience more of God's love and presence through being in conversation with Him.
We are changed by God - so we should naturally desire to spend more and more time with God. That's what prayer is about, placing us in conversation with God and focusing our attention on Him.
Two great books on prayer are:
And if you are looking for a resource on reading the Bible, check out Scot McKnight's book: Blue Parakeet.
I've read all three of those books in the last few weeks and have found them to be greatly encouraging in my own life.
What Can You Do?
Relationships are important. Let us not forget that we serve a Triune God - our God is relational in His DNA! And so it no surprise that we, image-bearers of God, would also be so deeply impacted by (and dependent on) relationships.
We are made for relationships - with God and with others.
And when we come together (i.e - the Church!), the world can be changed with the incredible love of Jesus.
So how might you put this into practice? Here are some ideas:
Find a local after-school program and volunteer to tutor a student
Join the Hospitality/Welcome team at your church
Support non-profits that are helping others through relationships (a great example in Tennessee is Thistle Farms, which helps restore dignity and life to human trafficking survivors)
Make it a priority to get to know one new neighbor this month
Go on a prayer walk through your neighborhood or around your workplace
To live a glocal life as a Christian means to engage in global conversations on a local level. And that is built on relationships! We need each other.
Your neighbors - local and global - need you and the Christ-like love you live out every day.
