7th Floor Devotional Day 2: ”We Can’t Become Whole... Alone”

DEVOTIONAL DAY 2: “We Can’t Become Whole… ALONE.”

Have you ever found yourself doing something you know you had no business doing? So you almost unconsciously find a secret corner or nook to hide in so no one will see you. Almost as if you made up your mind that if anybody caught you messing up, they'd immediately judge you? 

I know this scenario all too well. At a young age, I learned to hide to protect myself from any chance of being judged (Eric Parks). Many of you, too, fear allowing people into your mess because “what if they don't like what they see?” We often think that if we can keep people out long enough, they will never figure out that we are not as put together as we appear to be.

The problem is that when we live our lives this way, we miss out on some of the best parts of it. We trap ourselves in a cycle of brokenness because the truth about human beings is that we can't fully grow into the best versions of ourselves alone. We need other people. We need relationships. And those relationships will only be as strong as we allow them to be. This means our transformation into what God intended us to be is proportional to how much we let people in versus keep people out. 

There are 100 references in Scripture to "one another." For instance, in Romans 12:10, we are told to "be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:16 encourages us to "live in harmony with one another," and Romans 13:8 to "love one another." Romans 15:7 charges us to "accept one another, and "not judge one another" (Romans 14:13). In Galatians 5:13 we are told to "serve one another," "be kind and compassionate to one another," (Ephesians 4:32), and "admonish one another" (Colossians 3:16). We could go on and on. 

There is no concept of a faith in Scripture that is not in community with other believers. In fact, as we will see, salvation impacts our relationship with God and our relationships with each other.  We live, grow, and develop as Christians in community. Therefore, Christianity is not a solo sport but a team sport. The very picture of Jesus and the disciples makes this clear. Life with God was and is a life lived in community. It’s togetherness.

For some of us, togetherness is easy. We grew up in large families, have many friends, or are naturally social creatures. But for others, togetherness does not come as easy. Maybe you have been hurt by people in the past, you might be introverted by nature, or you might have a more challenging time opening up to others. Whatever the reason, or however you are wired, learning how to engage in meaningful Jesus-centered relationships is key to becoming God's best version of you. 

The first step to letting people in is admitting that you need other people. 

So here is your prayer for today: Father, open my eyes to my need for other people and make me aware of how I try to keep people out. Help me to see the people around me that you have placed in my life for my growth and development. I pray this in your name, Jesus. Amen.