Thoughts on Community

Community is a necessary element of the body of Christ. It's true or God wouldn't call his people "a body."Webster defines community as a group of people having common interests. Is that really all it is? Is that all there is to it? Some would say the idea of Christian Community was born out of the text in Acts 2:42, which states: All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals, and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity- all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Yes these people have common interests, but there seems to be something far beyond a common interest pulling all these people together don't you think? Webster defines family as this: Two or more people who share goals and values, have long term commitments to one another and reside usually in the same dwelling place. The idea of family takes community several steps further and makes it all mean so much more. There is this feeling or should be a feeling of togetherness. There should be no limit to this togetherness. Christ was an example to us. An example is a component of something much bigger, so shouldn't our Communities mirror a smaller example of love within our midst? I believe that smaller example is our own families that we grow up in. Even Jesus was put within the loving confines of a family before he started his ministry. Our communities should mirror our families. Just as God looks at the heart of a man, this togetherness trascends past beliefs, skin color, culture, hate, and the like. I believe that community is much more than an idea that we read about or a theory that can be deduced from reading scripture. First of all togetherness entails that there is something beyond people just meeting together. There is one word that ties the idea of family and community together. Both words are synonmous with this one word. That word is people. Just as the church in Acts took the love they learned from Christ and applied it to one another we are called to do the same. It's not just writing on paper it truly happened amongst real people. The account in Acts is there to spur us on to the same goal. We all have people in our lives. When we all come together and show love for those that we love the action speaks volumes about who we are as individuals and who we are as a people. Love is what brings people together. Just as Love is an action so is community. The most important ingredient in a Christian Community beyond love is intention. Someone who truly loves another is intentional in meeting with and getting to know that person. Just as one hand washes another love and intention must both be present in a relevant community of Christ. Community at its best will resemble the love and support that a great family will exude.
I have the great pleasure of living in the midst of family such as this. A family comprised of those related and unrelated. A family of believers and nonbelievers, rich and poor, and young and old. Those are the ones that support me, love me, and enstill within me a strength and peace that transcend all understanding. People are the very breath of God within my life and I thank the Lord everyday for the beautiful, amazing people I'm honored to share my life with. You all know who you are, and I love you very much.