Three Is Enough

Concerning our growth as followers of Jesus, there is an essential, non-negotiable connection between our inner growth (pray and grow in TiE terms) and our outward focus (serve). In my experience, when there is a disconnect, it usually happens from one side not the other. It usually comes from an innocent, unintended over-focus on inner work.

Inner work can change our heart for outsiders, the least and the lost. But our hands, our embodiment of the Gospel of the Kingdom changes from activity, from practice. I’ve seen in my life and in the lives of others, that my heart does not always get expressed—for a lot of reasons: fear, awkwardness, inexperience and shame just to name a few.

But, the reverse is not normally true. Being outward rarely fails to change our hearts. How can our hearts not be affected by tragedy and needs of various kinds? Thus, in our TiE Groups it is vital that we keep an outward, “otherly” practice. 

When it comes to connecting our inner life with an outward focus, I like the way one church leader from The River Church puts it: It’s better to be ankle-deep in application than neck-deep in theology.