DYNAMICS OF CHANGE: FELLOWSHIP

And they devoted themselves to . . . fellowship . . . (Acts 2:42).

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Do not be deceived, "Bad company ruins good morals" (I Corinthians 15:33).

Fellowship is a relationship of people that results from shared faith and share values--both positively and negatively.  One of the indicators of a person's character and potential for success is the kind of people he or she hangs out with because a person tends to hang out with those who are of like mind.  If you want to change then change the kind of people with whom you spend most of your time.  It has been said that the first step to becoming rich is to begin to hang around rich people because one learns from and is encouraged by those with whom he or she spends most of their time.

Fellowship was one of the priorities of the first-century Church; they were devoted to it.  In the twenty-first century Church, fellowship has to remain a priority!  The challenges to remain faithful to Christ are just as difficult  as ever so the relational support of fellow Christians is more important than ever.  Dr. Larry Crabb wrote a book called Connecting.  In it he said with regard to helping people change, If we advise them to live more consistently with biblical principles without offering meaningful connection, we leave them frustrated (p. 45).  Christian relationships, themselves, are needed for change.  It is not just about sharing knowledge and techniques of change, it is about sharing one's self.  Christians are brothers and sisters in Christ.  We are family; we must take that seriously!  We are to have a family relationship that is safe and secure for it is in that environment that there can be change, growth and healing.

Grace&Peace,
Tom

PS. A dynamic is a powerful influence.  I have used each one of these dynamics in my counseling practice to bring about change.  It is not uncommon for the counselee to resist these dynamics because God has given each person the freedom to make choices so that love can be freely given from the heart rather than being forced by an irresistible power.