Spiritual Formation
The People Who Walk With Us
One of the greatest misconceptions about spiritual growth is the belief that we can do it alone.
Many of us value independence. We appreciate the ability to solve our own problems, carry our own burdens, and quietly work through our own struggles.
While there are certainly seasons when solitude is necessary, Scripture consistently reminds us that God never intended the Christian life to be lived in isolation.
From the very beginning, God has formed His people within the context of relationships.
Jesus called twelve disciples – not simply so they could learn from His teaching, but so they could learn alongside one another.
The early church devoted themselves not only to the apostles’ teaching, but also to fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer.
Throughout the New Testament, believers are encouraged to love one another, encourage one another, bear one another’s burdens, forgive one another, and spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Do you notice?
Loving, encouraging, sharing burdens, forgiving, and motivating “others” requires community, not isolation.
Spiritual formation has always been personal, but it has never been private. God has never intended for us to follow Christ alone.
One of His most gracious gifts is the people He places along our journey.
As a young boy whose father was distant, God graciously provided men to surround me – teaching me how to mature into manhood. In critical times in my life, God-sent individuals have been there for me.
Sometimes they encouraged me when my faith was weary. Sometimes they lovingly challenged me when I was beginning to drift. Sometimes they simply walked beside me, reminding me that I wasn’t alone.
Throughout Scripture, we see God using relationships as instruments of spiritual formation.
Joshua had Moses. Ruth had Naomi. David had Jonathan. Timothy had Paul.
Even our Lord gathered disciples around Him – not only to learn from His teaching, but to learn from one another as they followed Him together.
It should not surprise us, then, that the people with whom we choose to walk have a profound influence on the people we become. The writer of Proverbs observes:
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm” (Proverbs 13:20, ESV).
Notice that wisdom is not merely taught; it is often caught.
The people with whom we spend our lives quietly influence the direction of our own hearts. Their priorities affect ours. Their attitudes shape our responses. Their convictions strengthen – or weaken – our own.
That influence works in both directions.
There are relationships that consistently draw us closer to Christ. These are the people who lovingly speak truth, pray faithfully, ask honest questions, and gently encourage us when our faith grows weary.
There are also relationships that slowly pull us away from Him.
Rarely does this happen through open opposition. More often, it happens through subtle compromises, misplaced priorities, or voices that gradually become louder than God’s.
This is not a call to withdraw from people who think differently or to surround ourselves only with those who agree with us. Jesus Himself spent time with people from every walk of life. Rather, it is an invitation to be intentional about the people who are shaping our hearts most deeply.
The writer of Hebrews encourages us,
“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together… but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:24–25, ESV).
I have often found that one encouraging conversation at the right moment has renewed my faith more than I expected.
A trusted friend has asked a needed question. A mentor has gently redirected my thinking. A brother or sister in Christ has prayed with me when I could scarcely find the words myself.
Those moments remind me that one of God’s favorite ways of caring for us is through His people.
As I reflect on this series, I am increasingly convinced that spiritual formation is rarely shaped by dramatic moments alone. More often, it unfolds through ordinary faithfulness – listening to the right voices, cultivating healthy habits, allowing God’s truth to reshape what we believe, and walking with people who encourage us to follow Christ more faithfully.
God is still at work.
He is forming us day by day into the likeness of His Son. And one of His greatest gifts in that work is the people He graciously places along our path.
Reflection
- Who are the people who most influence my walk with Christ?
- Am I intentionally investing in relationships that encourage spiritual growth?
- How might God want to use me to encourage someone else this week?
Walking Forward Together
As this series ends, my prayer is not simply that you have learned more about spiritual formation, but that you have become more attentive to the quiet ways God is shaping your heart each day.
He is present in His Word. He is present through His Spirit. And He is often present through the faithful people He places beside us.
I’d also love to hear from you.
As you’ve reflected on this series, has there been one lesson, Scripture, or insight that the Lord has especially used to shape your heart? If so, I invite you to share it in the comments or send me a message. Your story may encourage someone else on this same journey.
May we continue to stop, look, and listen as He forms us into the likeness of Christ.
Continue the Journey
If this series has encouraged you, I invite you to revisit the previous reflections on spiritual formation. Together they explore the quiet ways God shapes our hearts through His Word, His Spirit, our habits, our relationships, and the ordinary rhythms of everyday life.
You can revisit the complete series at www.richardparrish.org/category/spiritual-formation.
May you have a blessed week.
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