This is Jesus’ prayer of community
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me i have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me…” John 17:20-23 ESV
Community is Very important. But it also is a Choice.
Isolation is a killer! You can be at church all the time, and still be isolated. You’re in trouble if you leave church isolated.. A lot of us want to be independent, but sometimes the issue of independence can become a weakness. What happens is.. You become a prime target for a massive attack from the enemy, leading you to ungodly/unwise decisions.
There is a saying, “Banana that leaves the bunch gets eaten.” Funny, but true!
We cannot have Christianity without a Community. It’s essential as God the Father has His own community with His Son and the Spirit.
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5 ESV
As it says above, it’s critical to submit to covering & community, for Grace will continually flow in life! You’re basically clothing yourself with humility when you submit to the leaders and one another. Openness and vulnerability are tough, but it’s worth it.. for it’ll not only help you to become more like Christ, but also the community to grow stronger and help become One.
Here are some of the benefits of community:
- Strengths come from community (wisdom, encouragement, knowledge, grace.)
- We need people.. Not just “me & Jesus” It almost sounds wrong, but we need each other!
- Timing is also depends on community (decisions made in community are safe. God speaks through them)
- Clarity comes through them
I’m not claiming that i have the best community and i’m fine. We’re still growing and got a long way to go, but we’re working on it. I’m working on it.. We all need it, and all it takes is two people to start! May God bless you this year with a loving/safe community where you can be you and grow much deeper in the Lord!
