Geography and Your Christian Growth

 

What factors came into play as you were deciding where to stay? No doubt cost came into it. We want to live in housing that is affordable for our income. No doubt certain amenities came in as well. We also consider accessibility, security and distance from our places of work. All these factors are important and ought to continue playing a role in such a decision. But have you ever considered how living in close proximity to fellow church members might serve your faith?

One another

When we consider the teaching of the New Testament, we notice that the Christian life is to be lived in such a way as to have regular ‘one another’ contact with fellow saints in our churches. For example, we have an exhortation in Hebrews 3.12 to ‘exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.’ Notice the implication of such an instruction for access to other saints. Interaction between the saints for purposes of safeguarding one another’s faith is to be an everyday reality. Especially when threats to faith have arisen, as was the case with the Hebrews.

Many other such instructions are common in the other epistles. We are to bear one another's burdens, love one another, and maintain unity with each other. When there’s an occasion for rejoicing, we are to rejoice with one another, and when grief strikes, we are to grieve with one another. The disciples of Jesus were to be known for their love for each other (John 13.35). This love was an observable phenomenon. It was a reality to be seen in how they lived in relation to each other. This love could not be seen if there wasn't regular embodied interaction between them. It was to be something of a culture as opposed to ‘one-off’ feats of love and sacrifice. 

Pursuing proximity

As we attempt to conform our lives to the kind of closeness of life we are called to live as Christians, we immediately notice that geography begins to play an important role. The Christian life is church-shaped, and proximity to the saints in your church goes a long way in aiding the depth and beauty of a church’s life and gospel witness. It makes it more likely than not that we will work for the joy and progress of each other's faith.

When fellow members live close by, it becomes quite organic to be in one another’s lives. The energy that would otherwise have been spent planning how to get to them is then spent considering how to encourage them. Should a need arise in their lives that requires more regular attention and care (sometimes daily), it is easier to provide such care because of the ease of access. The time that would have had to be factored into travel is redeemed and used for their joy. Also, new time slots for meeting one another open up. Evenings, early mornings, and lunch times all become available because it's quick to get to them and quick to get back home. In the event of emergencies, members close by become a huge grace as they can quickly get to one another.

Yes, sometimes love for the saints will mean literally going out of our way to serve others. This may include long and arduous travel. However, if we can overcome geographic barriers to our growth in Christ, let us, by all means, do so.

Worthy investment

So, as you consider where you will live, don’t forget to include proximity to other members as a high priority. It may cost you a little more in rent, but it will definitely pay off in spiritual dividends over time as you weave your life deeply with fellow saints. Seeing that God has given them to you to help you navigate the dangerous toils and snares of your earthly pilgrimage, invest in being as close to them as possible. Your faith may just depend on it.

Note: This is a guest article by John Musyimi; check out his work at https://johnmusyimi.com/about-john