“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity. It is like the precious oil on the head, running on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.” Psalm 133:1-3
For the past ten weeks, our Life Groups in Provo have gone through a study on Christian Community. Through that group study, and other recent events in my life, God has really reminded me just how marvelous it is to be with other believers.
At times, we can take the Body of Christ for granted. In the “busyness” of life, it can be far too easy to miss opportunities to be together. We can be so preoccupied with life that we miss the true beauty and benefit of Community that happens when we are in the same room together. But, as we can see in the verses above, God’s full blessing for our lives comes when we lovingly, and humbly “do life” with one another.
The truth of the matter is, being with other believers is God’s intention for our Christian walk; it provides so much good for us. Being connected with God’s people offers protection and accountability in our struggles (James 5:16), and gives us support when we are discouraged or are in need (Galatians 6:2). Community provides endless opportunities to “die to ourselves” by loving and serving our brothers and sisters (John 13:15); this is in fact, our greatest testimony to a lost world — that we are followers of Jesus and are being changed by His truth (John 13:35). Also, being connected to other Christians allows us to be who God made us to be. God has specifically given me my gifts, talents and passions to be just the right “fit” into the rest of the Body around me (1 Corinthians 12).
Thanking God for you — the Church,
Caleb
Posted in A Word from the Pastor