Our relationships with those outside the church must involve serving as ambassadors for God's kingdom. We can seek the interests of God's kingdom and influence the world around us by serving, praying, leading by example, developing meaningful relationships, and finding opportunities to share the gospel message.

Relationships with fellow Christians inside the church are more community driven and meant to be more like family. These relationships are paramount because we can spiritually strengthen each other and provide mutual encouragement. In fact, our influence with the world is all for naught if not for our love for one another.

Creating authentic community within the church requires overcoming division, busyness, and individualism. However, we can succeed in creating real church community by committing to regular fellowship, getting involved in a small group, and praying together and for one another.

The decision is ours. We already know that God wants a relationship with us. Our responsibility is to put this most important relationship first and foremost in our lives. In order to do that, watch out for barriers like sin, busyness, and a divided heart. If we have no love for God, we have no purpose.

When one of these relationships is missing or broken, it leads to a sick church. When a church lacks in influence, it loses its mission.

• Symptoms include:
• inward focused culture
• lacking in growth and decline
• community irrelevance

When a church lacks in community, it loses its strength.

• Symptoms include:
• shallow relationships and support
• conflict and division grow
• spiritual growth stalls

When a church lacks in intimacy, it loses its purpose.

• Symptoms include:
• prayer becomes an afterthought
• programs and activities overshadow spiritual growth
• sin is tolerated or ignored

These three core relationships are an embodiment of what Jesus identified as the two greatest commandments - loving God and loving others. (Mark 12:28-34)