1 Corinthians 12: 24b-27
“But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
The start of a new year often prompts us to assess our lives and our priorities, especially how much time we spend in God’s Word, serving Him, and investing in the lives of others. Looking back on what we all experienced during the pandemic, one thing we learned is that isolation and a lack of connectedness with family, friends, and fellow believers had a significant impact on all of us. Whatever the age group, from small children to the elderly, the lack of human interaction caused loneliness and sometimes depression to set in. Whether it’s a pandemic, another illness, or circumstances that leave us isolated, we all need smiles, hugs, and human contact to stay connected and feel more whole. We need community.
One often hears the word “community” in Christian circles, and numerous books and Bible studies have been written on the subject. I can testify to the fact that being actively engaged in a variety of communities during my fifty-plus years of being a Christian— made up of a body of believers of different ages, interests, status, education, and spiritual maturity—has been stretching, enriching, rewarding, and at times overwhelming, but without doubt worth the investment.
Jesus Himself needed a connection with human beings and set an example by choosing twelve men from vastly different backgrounds to foster an authentic community of brothers. He poured His life into them by teaching, fellowshipping with them, and praying with them every day for three years.
Some of you may have questions about what real community is, so today we’ll look at the “Five Ws” of authentic community and then tomorrow the particulars of “How” community happens:
- Who makes up a community? That would be you, me, her, him, them! Community is not just for those within our own church but can include workmates, neighbors, family members, and other small groups. Community crosses religious backgrounds, gender, race, ethnicity, and socio-economic differences.
- What is community? According to Webster’s Dictionary, it is “a group of people with common characteristics or interests living together in a larger society.” It’s amazing how easily it happens when a community is built upon the common foundation of Jesus Christ.
- When does community happen? Ideally, a group would meet on a regular basis—weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly — for an agreed-upon time that allows for fellowship, study, and prayer.
- Where does community take place? At church, in homes, at work, even in restaurants or places of recreation, these can be suitable environments to build community.
- Why is community important? Because we all have a God-given need for closeness and connection to Christ, to His Word, and to His people. As Christians, we are to be transformed into the image of Christ, and being part of an authentic community helps each of us in that process.
Challenging times are an inevitable part of life. How important it is that we commit to developing meaningful relationships with others by spending time building community. Hebrews 10:25 instructs: “Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” May I encourage you, dear reader, to seek out avenues for community. We still need each other, maybe now more than ever.
Lord, we thank You for the picture You have given us of what authentic community looks like, within our church family and outside the walls of the church building. Meaningful community can consist of people with different faces, different backgrounds, different ethnicities, with different gifts and talents, different struggles, and different needs. Father, please give us clear direction for how we are to seek ways to be part of and be an instrument in building community. For Your sake we pray. Amen.
~ painting by Charles Wysocki
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