Shared Life

I found myself listening to Victory podcast this morning. It was a series called That Thing We Do which gives us a preview on how to be successful with our spiritual life- for it has eternal significance. I am now on series 2 called Share. Previously, it was READ, which discusses devotion in reading the word -for the word builds faith.

Michael Phelps, the greatest Olympiad of all time who has won 18 gold Olympics medals (22 in total) said in his interview that the secret to his success is his devotion to his craft. He said that between Athens and Beijing Olympics, he has only taken 4-5 days off and the rest is non-holidays. Whoa! That was only a day off in a year. No question why he has mastered his craft. Indeed, a genuine devotion.

We always perceive Christianity as just coming to church every Sunday but in Peter 1: 2-5, Peter gives us a picture of being connected with each other to build a spiritual house-a shared life. In big churches like Victory, you cannot build relationship with everyone. Very reason why small groups were made. I have heard many stories and life changing testimonies of friendship, support and love inside a small group.  I myself was guilty of not sticking or at least growing with one when I was still in Manila. I am glad however that I have gained and starting to grow in the sandpit, Dubai.

There was one story pastor has shared about a member of Victory Novaliches. There is this girl who has been battling cancer for the past 6 years. The small group and the church have been praying for her but there are neither breakthroughs nor miracle happening to her. She has said however, that the breath of life is the people of the church- there is no greater feeling than to inspire others.

I am excited to grow with my new found spiritual family. I am sure that they are friends, who won’t judge you but love you, push you, remind you, walk with you, laugh with you, cry with you and most, pray for you. I am sure they might offend me at times but Jesus has already destroyed all barriers from having true fellowship (Ephesians 2:13). I am sure that He will bind us together.

On the other hand, even outside the church, I did not collect tons of friends. I have only few so I can give them each quality time. I treasure them big time. Thank you for the life of friends =)