In Acts 2:44-47, we read of the things the early church did in their daily lives: gave as any had need, meeting at the temple, eating at each others houses, praising God and having a positive influence on the community. These actions were taking place daily, and the result, "the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved."

There is a direct correlation between the time spent with one another and the growth of the church. We see verses like Galatians 6:2 which says, "Bear one anothers burdens and thereby fulfill the law of Christ", and assume that the role we play with one another is of counseling and dealing with problems. This is not the extent of our relationships. We are family and as family, we should have a desire to set aside time to spend with our brethren, to develop friendships and get to know one another. How sad is it when a Christian's best friends are all non-believers? How strong can that Christian become?

Christianity is our lives but we must intermingle our lives together so that when a time of need arises, there will be a basis of trust to build on. How can you share the innermost burdens of your heart with people you do not even know?

My challenge to men is to form relationships with other men based on God, but formed from time spent together. In Ecclesiastes 4:12b, it is found, "a cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart." We are stronger when we develop relationships with one another by spending time together.

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;"
Romans 12:10