Thursday, June 11, 2026

Bible in a Year: Exodus 37-40 | Ephesians 2

In 2000, I traveled to Ocean City, Maryland, with some friends. Most of my decision making throughout that trip reflected the wisdom of a 21-year-old attempting to find his way, which meant getting it wrong most of the time. However, three choices proved right: having a conversation that brought understanding between the old world and the new, saying no after the first night, and purchasing a Bible on the boardwalk. 

The third caused one friend to laugh, then sparked confusion when I began reading the Bible to myself. 

It wasn’t the first or last time a friend dismissed my need and want for spiritual connection. Our friendship faded over the next year, but not because we couldn’t agree on Christianity. I still have many wonderful friends with good hearts who aren’t spiritual influences. Relationships don’t have to be all-or-nothing, but your deepest influences should help guide you into the person Jesus wants you to be. 

Reflection makes me realize that trip taught me something about influence. Our closest friends shape more than our decisions - they often shape our direction.

Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

You form friendships for various reasons: There’s the first person who said hi on the first day of school. That particular co-worker with similar interests. That one friend who accepts your flaws. But where are they when you find your faith, return to God, or yearn to build a deeper relationship with Jesus? 

There’s no such thing as perfect, but the right people understand the importance of growing in faith. They aim to encourage your relationship with God rather than mock your attempts to grow it. The right friends pray with and for you and celebrate your spiritual successes. 

The deepest influences help you take flight and won’t let you fall when you fail, struggle, or grieve - and there will be plenty of successes and storms. Some friends will only be there for the bright moments. It doesn’t mean they don’t care. Not everyone has the spiritual maturity to walk with you, so they stay behind, waiting and watching. Think about the people you call first when you’re struggling and when you’re winning. Think about who calls you. 

The right passengers don’t go at it alone, nor do they steer you from the path. They don’t determine your destiny, but they are destiny seekers.

Questions: 
Can you honestly name five people who will reprioritize Jesus in your life? 

How do you handle relationships that shy away from your spiritual growth? 

Do your closest friends sharpen your faith or dull it?

Do you help others seek a relationship with God? 

Next Steps: 
Help sharpen faith and be sharpened through meaningful conversations. Listen first, and speak gently. Pray together, and set spiritual goals. Be teachable but also mindful of who gains access to your heart. Seek people who are also seeking God by joining a Group and serving the community through a Second Saturday Serve or Serve Day this July.

Prayer: 
God, thank you for the spiritual people you continue to place in my life. Help me be mindful of the seasons I have with them. Let me be open to learning from them. Give me the humility to accept their correction, and show me how to receive their encouragement with gratitude. Allow me to do the same for others. Amen.  

Series Theme Verse:
Galatians 5:13
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 

This post was written by Jaron Camp, a Findlay attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.