About 9 years ago I read an
article that sparked some incredible things in my mind. It was about spiritual community or choosing
to live life among like-minded people who are pursing God.
Some people had a hard time
understanding the concepts of that article.
It sounded like a cult or some kind of David Koresh community. But that could not be further from the
truth. It really is people who are
choosing to love God and to share life with others. It is a strong community where people care
for one another.
It could be a place where
lots of people live, but most often this is a group of people who live in lots
of different places but have chosen to share their spiritual lives, to serve
each other and to seek God together.
I share this with you
because an article I read this week brought us some of the same type of
thoughts. Honestly, I long for true
community. Our church was founded on the
principle of shared life and shared ministry.
It is about serving together and making a difference in the world around
us.
What I read was THIS
ARTICLE that shared great stuff about Biblical community, and I will share
some of that with you today:
For he
himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the
barrier, the dividing wall of hostility (Ephesians 2:14).
“We
realized our strength was in relationships, and not necessarily in programs,”
Matt says. “But we also realized some programs were really necessary for our
community. It’s hard to sit in somebody’s house and share the Gospel when their
lights are cut off and there’s no food in the fridge. The Gospel is true, and
it’s the way to the Kingdom, but you can’t skip over those felt needs.” …
“Ministry
with a heart for justice and societal transformation is at the core of the
Gospel,” Matt says. “How many of the biblical promises we love are pulled from
those amazing chapters in the last third of Isaiah? But what you find alongside
those promises is God’s overwhelming desire for a just Kingdom…
(This
article is found in this month’s DISCIPLE! Monthly from the Navigators and can
be found at THIS
LINK)
The strength of the local church and of believers is our connection to
God. That connection is best seen when
we chose to serve those in need. We can
meet the needs of those closest to us we are doing what Jesus called us to
do. As well, when we meet the needs of
people we don’t know or people who can do nothing for us in return, we are
doing what Jesus called us to do.
That is the expression of living in Biblical community. It thrills me when I see or hear of a
Christian choosing to live for Jesus and love people. By leaving selfishness and self centeredness
behind and setting our lives on God we help others meet our incredible God who
continues to change lives… ours and those around us.
Right now you have plenty and can help
those who are in need. Later,
they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it.
In this way, things will be equal.
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