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“Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.”
(Ephesians 4:25 NJKJ)
Real change requires an honest community…especially among leaders!
There are some things that you will never be able to change on your own. You will need people in your life for support—specifically, a small group who will be transparent and authentic with you.
Sometimes in a football game, a player is so big that no opposing player can pull him down alone. In the same way, some of the challenges in your life have to be team-tackled.
That’s when you need a small group of like-minded leaders—not just any group. Your small group should comprise a few people you can talk with about your weaknesses and problems—all your hurts, habits, and hang-ups; your “pain, shame, and chains.”
That kind of intimacy doesn’t happen right away. When you first begin to connect with a small group of leaders, you get together regularly. I know you are busy. So am I. But the results are so beneficial that I save time in ministry by what I learn about them and me.
Then, over time, you begin to trust each other and develop a safe environment. Those people become friends who can help you change when you can’t change on your own.
You might meet in-person or even online. But meet…regularly. Be faithful.
Ephesians 4:25 says, “Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.”
When you pretend to be someone you’re not, you waste enormous energy.
You may sincerely want to grow in Christ and to work on your weaknesses. But to do that, you must be honest with your prayer partners and study buddies about who you really are. That kind of honesty is essential for spiritual change. If you could change independently, you would, but you can’t—so you don’t. You need other people!
One thing that keeps most leaders from being honest is their desire to look good. Your desire to look good often takes precedence over being good. And it becomes a hurdle to spiritual growth.
But you’re safe to be yourself in a small group of other Christian leaders. Then you can grow together and make the difficult changes you couldn’t make alone.
Think About It
- What keeps you from finding a small group with whom you can share and grow in spiritual maturity?
- In what ways has your desire to look good kept you from enjoying deep, genuine friendships?
- Why does it take time to develop intimacy with a group of people? Are you willing to invest the time to gain an authentic Biblical community? How could you start doing that this week?
