The Gift of Community

A few weeks back, I raised the question: Why do you believe? If you were to make a case, even a “self-interested” case, for following Jesus, what would you say?

When I truly reflect on it, almost nowhere else have I experienced God’s movement in such a powerful way as I have in the community into which Christ calls us. It has been integral to my faith – watching hearts and lives change as people come together to worship and to make an impact on those who are most in need.

I think about working side-by-side with fellow church members on Habitat for Humanity projects. I can picture impoverished children opening the Angel Tree gifts at Christmas, Easter baskets, and the backpacks full of food that we buy and put tougher. I think about quilts full of prayers given to those who have been sick or in the hospital… And I think about the hospitality in the bountiful receptions our deacons put together for families after a memorial service.

When I think about the impact Christ has had on my life, no doubt the community aspect has been one of the most profound. In my teenage years and early 20’s, I resisted and really steered clear of the church. I said things like: I believe in God, but I don’t believe in an institution. (You’ve never heard that before, have you? So original.) And on Sunday mornings, I would have much rather been on the beach surfing, or on the water fishing.

But now, when I look back on how my life has been shaped, and when I think about the people (and not just the saints – but even the most difficult people) how they have enriched my life, how they have loved me through some of the most heart-wrenching moments of my life, and how they have challenged me to practice what I preach and taught me what it means to be generous, and forgiving, and how to overcome great obstacles and preserver, I can’t believe that I might have gone through this life and missed this gift!

When I think about why I follow Christ, I am grateful for the family of faith.

Let us pray: Today, O God, I am deeply grateful for a community of people to walk with me along this journey of life. I thank you for meeting us as we join our lives together in your name. May you continue to bless us that we would in turn bless others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.