God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
– Philippians 1:8 (NIV)
We live in a sinful world. There are many things that all of us face every day that attempt to pull us away from God. How refreshing is it then, when we encounter a person, or a group of people, that challenge and encourage us to walk closer to the Lord.
This is one of the reasons why a church family is so important. When you are surrounded by people that have the same pursuit in life, they are not your competitors, but co-laborers. Your success means their success. When you get better, gain more knowledge, or become blessed with influence, you advance the cause and the mission.
Paul wanted to be surrounded by people that would help him be who God had called him to be and to do what God had called him to do. He wasn’t looking for Twitter followers or marketing to people who could provide him an income. He had an affection for people who would make his load lighter as they worked together to spread the gospel message.
May I ask, who is it that you desire to keep you company? Who do you want to speak into your life? Who do you give permission to have your time and attention?
Is it people that will help you walk closer to the Lord and fulfill God’s mission? Is it people who will help you be who God has called you to be and do what God has called you to do? If not, why?
In a world set against the things of God, Paul yearned to be with others who shared his love for God. To be with such people was to be with friend and not foe and was to be arm and arm with family and not face to face with an enemy.