Last night, some of my boys and I attended the tail end of a Grand Opening of one of our local business's Second location (a store front, where their first location is at a house). It was a pretty neat affair, where there was activities, food, a live band, and social games to play. What I observed the most was that it was a place to meet, and, as the owner stated, it was a pleasant mix of locals and tourists. Normally, I am a people watcher, I love observing, and this was no exception (though I was also attending to my kids, so they would enjoy themselves). I heard people talking of their first time in our community, sharing stories about the local diamond mine, and why they enjoy coming back. I observed people playing cornhole toss, and horseshoes, and saw people sitting in smaller groups and larger, just enjoying the company of one another. It was great to see. It got me thinking, though. Isn't this what we were made for? So why do we wait for special events, weddings, funerals and the like to gather like that? I'm not making a commentary on any current social restrictions, but God designed us for community, and when that community is severed, it's noticed. In the advent of social media, we've become even more removed from one another. Overuse of such tools (as social media), makes us isolated, self-centered, fearful, and self-important. We thrive in community, and the Prince of this world (Satan, if you didn't know the scripture references), desires to keep us separated. Why? Because, as any predator knows, it is easier to stalk and kill prey when they're away from the community: it's safer in numbers, there's more protection, yet apart, it's easy pickings.
We were designed for one another in the church. Fellowship is one of the four things the early church dedicated themselves to (They would meet daily, even in one another's homes, eating together!), and it was the community of Christ that drew many in believers to Christ. We were made for God and one another; Jesus even stated the litmus test for His disciples was how we loved one another. So my challenge to you today is this: live what you were made for, be a part of Christ's community, and grow with His children. Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Galatians 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Acts 2:42-47
And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
