If you were in worship at New Life yesterday, you know what today's title means.  We looked at five biblical reasons we need each other during the message that kicked off the 40 Days of Community.  The first reason was we need others to walk with us.  The bible often uses the term "walk" to indicate the spiritual life we live.  For example, the Apostle Paul told the Colossian Christians,  "Just as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him..."  Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV)

To walk in Jesus means to live according to His teachings and in the power of His Spirit.  While it is possible to walk in Jesus alone, we were created to walk in Jesus together.  The Apostle Paul didn't write that command to ONE of the Colossian believers, but to ALL of them.  What does it mean to walk in Jesus together?  It can mean so many things, but let's just consider a few:  Walking in Jesus together means investing time in serving together in Jesus' name.  We may go to the East Liberty Food Kitchen together.  We may go to the home of an elderly neighbor, friend, or family member as a group and rake their leaves, and prepare their home for winter.  We may get involved in a community ministry together.  The key is that instead of serving by ourselves, we include others in it!

Another thing walking in Jesus together can mean is forming an accountability partnership or group.  I've mentioned many times how my accountability partner has helped me grow in so many areas of my life, as well as challenging me to change, even repent, when I've gotten off track.  Many people have asked me, "How do you find the right accountability partner or partners?"  Most folks are afraid to share their lives with someone they don't know, because the person may not be able to keep a confidence.  To me the short answer to that question is, find SOMEONE, and then start to invest in the relationship slowly.  There's no rush to find an accountability partner(s), because they may be walking with you for a long time.  You will also gain trust over time as your accountability partner proves trustable.

Walking with Jesus together may also mean participating in discipleship together.  You may find a person or small group (L.I.F.E. Group!!!) and intentionally pursue your growth in knowledge and wisdom in the Lord.  After all, Jesus told us that we are to teach the disciples we make "everything" He has commanded us, and one of the best ways to learn and apply God's word is in community. 

I know how hard it is to overcome the typical, individualistic mindset we have, but I also know how great a blessing there is in walking together in Jesus.  Take some time right now to consider a person or small group of people you may enjoy walking together with as you walk in Jesus.  Take some time to pray and ask God to show you the person or people.  Then take the initiative and ask.  It's always harder to take the initiative than to sit back and wait, but where has that gotten you to this point?  Don't be afraid to take the first step.  After all, that's how we all learned to walk in the first place--by taking a first step!

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to show us how to live and to give us eternal life through His death on the cross!  Fill us with Your Holy Spirit that we may walk in Jesus' ways, and grow together in Him.  Show us the right person or people with whom we can walk in biblical community.  This we pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.