Why Faithful Community Matters in Spiritual Growth

Years ago, at a teenager's camp, I held a candle that taught me more about faith than any sermon ever could.

During the grand finale of camp, we gathered for a candlelight session. Each person was given a candle, and from a central flame, we all lit our own. Some were fortunate enough to light directly from the source, while others passed the flame from candle to candle.

The purpose was to pray with our candles, and as we prayed, we sang the familiar song:

"This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine…"

There was something deeply moving about that moment. Nobody wanted their light to go out. We held our candles carefully, protecting the flame as we prayed and sang with all our hearts.

What stood out to me most was the act of lighting each other's candles. Without a flame, we were simply holding wax—a mere potential for light. But once ignited, each candle came alive, illuminating the room with a warm, steady glow. 

This taught me an important lesson: we each need a source to stay "on fire" spiritually. Just as our candles needed the central flame, we as believers need spiritual fuel—prayer, fasting, studying the Word, and fellowship with others.

Spiritual growth is rarely a solo journey; to stay spiritually strong, it’s essential to surround yourself with others who are also "on fire" for God. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." 

As young believers, it’s easy to lose sight of our faith if we’re surrounded by people who don’t share our values. To grow spiritually, we need to regularly connect with like-minded believers—encouraging each other in prayer, studying scripture, and holding each other accountable.

This principle isn’t just theoretical; history shows us how the right friends can shape a person’s faith journey. Take, for example, John Newton, the writer of "Amazing Grace." He once lived a life of drinking and cruelty, even while he was beginning to seek God. 

Though he prayed and read the Word by day, he continued spending time with those who led him away from God at night. It wasn’t until he met a friend named Alexander Clunie that his faith began to grow stronger. Clunie encouraged him, helped him study the Word, and supported him in living a Christ-centered life.

To keep our spiritual fire burning, we need to be intentional. Join prayer groups, attend Bible studies, and seek out friends who challenge you to grow in faith. With commitment, lukewarmness will be a thing of the past. Make it a lifelong pursuit to find new ways to keep your flame for God burning brightly.

So, who are you sharing your flame with, and how are you keeping it burning?