From The Editor: Connections
A constant theme that continues to surface through our territorial priorities discussions this year is the importance of relationships in discipleship. If discipling means coming alongside someone, holding them accountable for their actions, and developing them as followers of Jesus and leaders in their communities, then it quickly becomes obvious that none of that can happen between strangers. We must have a foundation to build upon.
I am a painfully shy person. Put me in a room of strangers, and I may be able to speak to one or two people before needing a corner to hide in or an emergency escape. I can come off as stuck up or snooty as I desperately attempt to avoid eye contact at all costs. Understandably, this has at times made it difficult for me to initiate relationships with others.
But God has been so faithful, strategically placing people in my life at times when I did have the energy to engage in conversation, or crafting situations where I was organically introduced to those He had in mind to become “my people.”
Especially as an adult, it’s not easy to make friends. We’re no longer grouped into like-minded classes as in college or even similar age groups as in grade school. We’re out in the real world on our own, left searching for that sense of community that we took for granted as kids.
Discovering how to make real, significant connections is still an ongoing process for many of us—me especially. But The Salvation Army provides endless opportunities for us to practice. That grateful mother picking up Angel Tree gifts for her children, that rambunctious kid running through the halls of the Boys and Girls Club, that weary gentleman waiting for a meal from a canteen in front of the pile of debris that just days before was his family home—these are real people. These are real moments that God has gifted to us in which to practice relationship building. And once that bridge is built, once you’ve followed God’s prompting to establish a real human connection, that is where discipleship can begin.
Now, if we’re being honest, most of the people we encounter during ministry won’t become the ones we do day-to-day life with. And that’s okay. At least in my case, I’m certain God doesn’t intend for me to have hundreds of best friends; I don’t have the energy or emotional capacity. But I am meant to live in holy community with the people I surround myself with every day.
The writer of Hebrews says in chapter 10, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (v 24-25). This is discipleship in action: meeting together, encouraging one another, and bringing out the best in each other, all with Jesus in mind.
I count it a privilege to live in community with the special people God has surrounded me with. I am consistently encouraged, often challenged, occasionally admonished, and always discipled. And I, in turn, have the honor of doing the same for them.