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Why You Need Community

The Christian life is not to be lived alone.

And I’m not talking about having a private relationship with God (as fundamental as that is).

I’m talking about other people, that is, other Christ followers.

The writer of Hebrews makes that clear, and you better believe it’s the same today as it was back then.

The Social Animal

Humans are, by and large, social creatures.

From the tribes of our ancestors to the governments, clubs, and institutions we find ourselves in today, we naturally gravitate to one another.

Of course, this was no mystery to the writers of Scripture (see Genesis 2:18 and Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 as examples).

And as He so often does, Jesus challenges us to channel this basic human desire in a God-glorifying, soul-nourishing direction.

That is, the Church. The body of believers. The mystical community of those redeemed by Jesus Christ.

The writer of Hebrews spoke to a newborn, struggling Church.

A Church that had no Bible (at least, not the one we have today), making them vulnerable to all kinds of false teachings and misconceptions. 

Not only that, the Church was also under fierce persecution, so there was also the added risk of one’s own life.

The writer of Hebrews understood that in the face of such things, fellowship was power.

Faithful Solidarity 

There’s something to be said about the power of solidarity.

Think about courageous movements like the resistance fighters of WWII or the American civil rights activists of the 1960s.

Or think about times you’ve found yourself in a tough spot and received support from close friends and family.

In the Church, such solidarity is amplified by the edifying presence of the Holy Spirit.

Older Christians help guide the younger, members provide for each other's needs (physical, emotional, etc.), friendships are forged, marriages are made, the list goes on…

Such a community is also a place of refinement.

After all, it’s hard to hide your flaws when you see the same people so regularly. 

But even then, that shouldn’t discourage you, as a healthy church will help you overcome those flaws and vice-versa.

If all that wasn’t enough, we shouldn’t forget that Jesus Himself was deeply rooted in the community of the 12 disciples.

Community is not only a core part of our humanity but of the faith we profess, too.

When we neglect it, we limit that faith and its growth.

So, my advice? Find a church. And, if you’re already in one, be in it 100% of the way.

Don’t neglect meeting together. Jesus certainly didn’t.

Be Blessed,

Jon

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