The importance of community

As someone that has grown up in church, I have had plenty of exposure to the Christian community. And like any other group of people, there are successes and failures. We feel like church should always be a safe place. And unfortunately, that is often not the case. After all, the church is made up of people. Which means there is always the potential for something to go awry.

I have had periods of time where I was completely connected to the community of the church. Times where I was partially connected. And times where I was living on my own. And during each of those phases I learned lessons.

When I was disconnected from the church I was an utter disaster. Sure at first I thought I had it together. I thought I could make all of the decisions and life would just work. And spent time with like minded people. Talk about the blind leading the blind! My time was spent serving myself. And really all it did was help grow my insecurity. In hindsight I was wandering around aimlessly, thinking my soul would be satisfied. Instead I fell further and further into emptiness. I was exactly where my enemy wanted me to be spiritually. I was isolated and detached from God. Luckily, the Holy Spirit continuously pursued me. He used people in my life to remind me that I needed to get reconnected. Now at first, I blew it off. I was stubborn and prideful. However, the Holy Spirit utilizes both powerful and subtle ways in order to get our attention. And like any great advocate, He doesn’t stop because of our refusal to respond.

When I was partially connected, I got exactly what you get when you only half way do something. Sure, I had people I could talk to, but it was very surface level. Sometimes it was merely attending a service, sitting alone, and then leaving. Other times, it was attending a bible study, being hit or miss with the homework, and never being willing to get real with others. Always making sure I was still in control of what would and wouldn’t happen. And since I was only giving fragments, that’s what I got in return. My cup was merely getting drops of water. Which meant I was feeling empty long before I came anywhere close to being full.

And when I choose to be all in. That let’s me step into the wonder of being with other believers who are searching for the same thing. Experiencing the goodness of our Father and what He has ordained. Witnessing the Holy Spirit aid us in our desire to feel safe and trust. And how much healing is waiting when we take that step of faith to get real. To finally be honest with ourselves and others. To stop pretending like everything is good. To drop the facade and let people see our mess. And then having someone proclaim, "Me too!" Oh the power in realizing there are others just like you.

Having a community is great. Having an authentic community is priceless. The ebb and flow of being needed, and allowing yourself to need others. Watching God use your experiences to help equip someone else. Encountering someone else’s prospective that helps expand your knowledge and sensitivity. Desiring to serve others because you want to give back all that you have received. We need each other. We have always needed each other. The bible starts off with making that clear during creation.

Genesis 2:18 ESV

Then the Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

We need a community of helpers. Life can easily leave us weary. We need people to support us through the lows, and to celebrate the highs. Relationships help bring us closer to whole. Others have a way of seeing things in us that we cannot from our vantage point. We need people to pray in agreement with us. Or, stand in the gap when we feel unable to pray. And then have those same people ask us to do the same. Most importantly as a believer you need people that are going to be unapologetic when it comes to pointing you back to scripture. People that will partner with the Holy Spirit to help move you outside of your comfort zone. Because as I have learned, the growth I want is always waiting outside of my solace.

Proverbs 27:17 ESV

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Matthew 18:20 ESV

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.

Romans 1: 11-12 ESV

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you - that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine.