How’s your “in”? How are your relationships with the other Christians in whom you are investing your life? (Are you investing deeply in the lives of a few other Christians? — Well, that’s a separate topic.)

A few years back I heard a pastor named Randy Frazee talking about “refrigerator-rights friends.” Those are the kind of people who are so welcome in your home that they can come over and get whatever they want for themselves out of your refrigerator – and you don’t think twice about it. You don’t feel like you have to serve or entertain or even necessarily give them your attention. His point was simple: we need those kinds of friendships. “Love one another” ought to translate to, “Help yourself to what’s in the fridge… Oh, and if you’re out today, could you pick-up some milk?”

Do you have some of those kinds of people in your life?

In our adventure with missional community, we’re getting there. We can walk in when we’re expected without ringing the doorbell. We help with the cooking and clean-up. And if our houses could still use a little straightening up when people arrive – well that’s okay.

That kind of openness with our homes leads to a deeper openness in our own lives. We’re more likely to bear one another’s burdens, speak the truth in love, and love people for who they are when we begin to live together like family.

And I know they didn’t have refrigerators back in his day, but I’m pretty sure that’s the kind or relationship Jesus enjoyed with his disciples.

Blessings on the journey.