The Foundation of Spiritual Growth
Subtitle: Why These Three Relationships Matter More Than You Think
When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus didn’t hesitate:
“‘Jesus replied,” ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”‘
Matthew 22:37-40
Spiritual growth doesn’t have to be complicated. At Southside, we believe that three relationships shape every disciple of Jesus, forming the foundation for a vibrant, growing faith. We refer to them as the Three Vital Relationships: intimacy with God, community with insiders, and influence with outsiders.
The Biblical Foundation
We didn’t come up with this idea. It’s woven throughout Scripture:
Love God (Matthew 22:37): Intimacy with God reflects Jesus’ first and greatest commandment to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind.
Love Your Neighbor (Matthew 22:39): This principle can be broken down into two crucial applications: loving fellow believers (community with insiders) and loving those who don’t yet know Christ (influence with outsiders).
Jesus himself demonstrated this pattern. He spent time alone with God, invested in a small group of disciples, but also reached out to those most others wouldn’t.
The Core Understanding
Spiritual maturity is not a destination or the completion of a set curriculum. As Eugene Peterson puts it, it’s “a long obedience in the same direction.” This means that spiritual growth is about continual development and progress. This journey of long obedience involves being intentional in deepening three key relationships:
- Intimacy with God – cultivating a personal, transforming relationship with the Father through spiritual practices and presence.
- Community with Insiders – walking alongside other believers in fellowship, accountability, and mutual encouragement.
- Influence with Outsiders – living a life of purpose and invitation, building genuine relationships with those exploring faith or far from God.
Mile Markers for Balanced Growth
- Early Growth: You can identify which relationships come most naturally and which require attention. You begin incorporating simple practices in each area.
- Developing Growth: You have established rhythms in all three relationships and can see how growth in one area affects the others.
- Maturing Growth: These relationships feel integrated into your daily life, and you’re helping others grow in these areas.
Reflection Questions
- Which of these three relationships comes most naturally to you?
- Which one needs attention in your current season?
- How might strengthening your weakest area impact your overall spiritual health?
Want to explore your faith stage? Take our Faith Stage Assessment to gain a deeper understanding of your current stage and explore potential next steps. Need someone to walk with you? Learn about our coaching is designed specifically for desert seasons.