Bio life

I recently revisited an old post of mine on a concept called "B.I.O. Life" (https://12ddm.blogspot.com/2016/02/bio-life.html).

We were in a small group going through this 8-week study from Chip Ingram called "Spiritual Simplicity." At the end of each study - after watching the video and going through some discussion questions - there is a section called "Live It Out - B.I.O."

He says, "Bio" is a word that is synonymous with "life," and found in those three simple letters (B.I.O.) is the key to helping you become the person God wants you to be. It breaks down like this:

B = COME "BEFORE GOD" DAILY
Meet with Him personally - through His word and prayer - to enjoy His presence, receive His direction, and follow His will.

I = DO LIFE "IN COMMUNITY" WEEKLY
Structure your week to personally connect in safe relationships that provide love, support, transparency, challenge, and accountability.

O = BE "ON MISSION" 24/7
Cultivate a mindset to live out Jesus' love for others through acts of sacrifice and service at home, work, play, and church.

I like that. I miss that! And it got me to thinking... will it work partially? I mean, if one element is missing, will it still lead you to becoming the person God wants? 

The most difficult thing for us anymore seems to be the 'in community' aspect. I'm not even sure it needs to be a full-fledged "church" community. Even a small group (I think they're called 'micro churches' now)... but that's no easy thing either! 

Although, then I got to thinking about the seasons we go through. You know, sometimes there are seasons where we're growing and fruitful, but at other times we're being pruned and we're being called to abide in/with God. Could it be we have simply been in a rather long season of pruning?

 

If this is the case then maybe it's enough to come before God daily, and maybe do our best to be on mission.... while being open to the community God is leading us to. 

I don't know... These are just some thoughts I'm having as we seek out a church community/small group/micro church... and things.

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“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."

- John 15:1-4