JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Devotion to the teaching of our spiritual leaders.

The early church was made of imperfect people who were committed to the Gospel. As the Holy Spirit moved among them, their witness for Jesus had a great impact on the world.

Acts 2:42 tells us that these early disciples of Jesus devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.

They recognized that they were people in process. They had room for growing in God’s grace, and they knew it. Their humble disposition brought them to the place of being teachable, so they opened their ears and hearts to the teaching of those who had spent time with Jesus and learned from Him.

If we know someone who has spent time with Jesus, and if their lives show evidence of being in relationship with Him, that is a great opportunity to learn from their words and example.

Being devoted to the teaching of spiritual leaders is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Relationship Building Principle comes from Acts 2:42.

Speaking of the early church, “they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

These are some of the qualities that made the early church a dynamic force. The Lord desires for His people to be connected with the local church. In the devotional “Moments Together”, Dennis and Barbara Rainey offer some questions to consider when searching for a church to attend: Here are a few of them:

Is it anchored in the Scriptures?

Does it have a sense of community?

Is it characterized by worship?

Is there opportunity for involvement?

If we are established in the local church already, these questions can be useful to consider how we might assist the church in growing in these areas. Jesus is building His church through the participation of His followers.

Participating in the ministry of the local church is a vital relationship-building principle to take to heart in the Year of Connection.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com