We’ve examined the foundation for community, we’ve put together thoughts for defining community, we’ve looked at the stages of community, and we’ve seen the pillars of community, so what’s next?
Finding ways to engage in community…
“…let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:24-25
The reality is we find ourselves in varying seasons of being reluctant, busy, distracted, hard-pressed on ever side, discontent, doubting, fearful, anxious, uneasy, uncertain, cautious, and weary of community. But, O how important community is for the soul, as well as the body. When you’re not there, you’re missed. Your gifts, your sense of humor, your unique idiosyncrasies, your you-ness. We need you…you need us. Consider this quote from C.S. Lewis in his book, The Four Loves…
“Lamb says somewhere that if, of three friends (A, B, and C), A should die, then B loses not only A but “A’s part in C,” while C loses not only A but “A’s part in B.” In each of my friends there is something that only some other friend can fully bring out. By myself I am not large enough to call the whole man into activity; I want other lights than my own to show all his facets. Now that Charles is dead, I shall never again see Ronald’s reaction to a specifically Caroline joke. Far from having more of Ronald, having him “to myself” now that Charles is away, I have less of Ronald. Hence true Friendship is the least jealous of loves. Two friends delight to be joined by a third, and three by a fourth, if only the newcomer is qualified to become a real friend. They can then say, as the blessed souls say in Dante, “Here comes one who will augment our loves.” For in this love “to divide is not to take away.” Of course the scarcity of kindred souls – not to mention practical considerations about the size of rooms and the audibility of voices – set limits to the enlargement of the circle; but within those limits we possess each friend not less but more as the number of those with whom we share him increases. In this, Friendship exhibits a glorious “nearness by resemblance” to Heaven itself where the very multitude of the blessed (which no man can number) increases the fruition which each has of God. For every soul, seeing Him in her own way, doubtless communicates that unique vision to all the rest. That, says an old author, is why the Seraphim in Isaiah’s vision are crying “Holy, Holy, Holy” to one another (Isaiah VI, 3) The more we thus share the Heavenly Bread between us, the more we shall all have.”
Where can you start?
- Start by being willing to be present. If you’re willing to show up, then you’ve already surpassed the 80% rule. Just being there makes all the difference.
- Commit to a church where you and your family show up regularly–if not always–on Sundays. You will always prioritize your priorities, and your calendar is a dead give-away as to what those are. You, your family, and the health of your souls depend on gathering with the saints. Just like a lion guides a wandering gazelle from the herd, so does the Enemy guide wandering saints…neglect regularly gathering with God’s people in a local assembly at your peril.
- Search out your church’s means of community. This may look like a gathering of people in a house or for dinner or something like that. Stay humble, be patient, and remain flexible as you seek out your church’s path to community.
- Don’t give up. Community takes time, but it’s worth the effort. To know and to be known…to love and be loved…these are peculiar and shy concepts, but they are desires nevertheless of every human.
We conclude this series with how we began…listen once again to the words of our Lord…
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34-35
And remember, you are loved by One who will never let go…so, now go love others in faith and in His strength.
— March 16, 2018