Community Awareness
October 15th, 2008A key element of Christianity is community. God never intended that we go through the Christian life alone. Rather, he determined that we serve him in the “called out” communities we refer to as, churches.
When Jesus called his disciples, he used the plural, “you all” follow me (Matthew 4:19)( Southern people have no difficulty grasping this). Not only did he call them in the plural, he sent them in the plural. “Go ye” in Matthew 28:18 (KJV) means “you ALL go.” Paul refers to the church as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). He emphasizes that we are together that temple.
Over and over the Bible reminds us of our need for others. We need to give and receive encouragement. We need to give and receive support. We need to pray for others and have others pray for us. We need to speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual song. These things cannot occur in isolation. Even in the beginning Adam felt the need for human companionship.
While we have individual responsibilities in following God, we have collective ones, too. Each of us has a responsibility to be living parts of God’s house (1 Peter 2:5). As God’s house (family) we are obliged to be a light to our world – together. WE are to embrace GOD’S mission – together.
Who is building you up? With whom are you serving? Who are you encouraging? It takes a community to raise a child of God.
Keep The Light Burning!
Perry Greene
