“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT

I am a people-oriented introvert. I love people. I enjoy being around people, but social interaction is draining to an introvert. After a while, I just need some quiet alone time. If you are a task-oriented introvert, you may love people but focus more on getting stuff done. Either way, when you have reached your limit, you need to retreat just like me.

If you are an extrovert, being with people fills you up. You can be with people all day long and feel energized. You could be a people-oriented extrovert or a task-oriented extrovert. Either way, you don’t need the same kind of alone time that we introverts need. Viva la difference!

So, where am I going with this little personality lesson? I’ve learned that even as an introvert I need the people of God, and they need me. The same is true for you.

Both introverts and extroverts are called to love and serve people. I recently attended a conference where I knew a lot of people. However, I went alone, not with a group.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other. John 15:16-17 NIV

Who are your closest friends? Have you ever thought about how those friends influence you? Well, they do! I have some friends who motivate me and keep me on track just by being their wonderful selves. Their forward progress inspires me to keep going and keep reaching for the goals that I believe God wants me to achieve. My friends help me go further.

Whether you recognize it or not, your friends help you go further, too. How do friendships help you achieve your goals?

Friends keep you accountable. We all veer off course from time to time. It’s a fact. We need people who can see what we don’t see to help us get back on track. Friends help us do that. Sometimes they help us do that by calling us out when they see us drifting. But most often, our friends help us stay on track by reminding us of what is important. Just their presence in our lives and the time we spend together reminds us of what we want and what is important to us. That helps us stay on track. Want to accomplish those goals? Schedule regular times with your friends!