Community feels like one of those buzzworthy ideas that gets tossed around a lot in advertising, announcements and general conversations. But what is it and what does it really mean day in and day out? How do we experience it? Why is it important and why do we need it? Why is it emphasized at church? I am sure all of us have experienced some sort of connection to others in many areas of our lives – at the gym, through our neighborhoods, in school, etc. The reason you felt connected is because of a shared interest. At church we have a shared interest in Jesus Christ. We are all trying to figure out this Christian life together.
As trendy as the word community is, it started with God…Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus lived in community and to follow Jesus is to choose to live in community. The thing is, we must choose community, and we must cultivate it. We need to be connected to others. I don’t think anyone would say they don’t want community, but the many distractions of life can get in the way. Choosing and cultivating community means taking initiative to reach out to others, to pray for others, to rearrange your schedule for others. We were created to be in relationships, and it’s more than just a party or dinner together. It’s rearranging life a little to make room for relationships that help us grow in our Christian life.
Community is going to look a lot different right now. Regardless of circumstances, how we cultivate it isn’t going to be the easiest thing to do. “We love because God first loved us.” (I John 4:19) In choosing and cultivating community, we trust God and acknowledge what he has already done and is doing in our own lives. It’s from this place that we are able to shift and make space for others in our lives. Who do you need to be in community with? Is the Lord putting anyone on your heart to reach out to? I’d love to help you get connected within our Holy Trinity community.
