For 4 months I have lived in close community with at least five other adults (sometimes more). This time has proven valuable in determining what Christian community looks like. I know that I have so much more to learn about trusting, showing grace, and seeing others for what they can be… not what they are currently. Good thing we have 7 more months! Philippians 2:3, “in humility consider others better than yourselves.”
So in this community I find myself asking these questions of myself but are also applicable to all…Are you willing to give up your own personal agenda? Are you willing to view that person you rub shoulders with everyday as a person with feelings, not an object?
Community cares, community ask questions, community asks for forgiveness, community listens, community is compassionate, and community wants the best for others. All of these things are true of our heavenly father and reinforced by OT law and the teachings of Jesus and his apostles.
Written from a wandering soul, from a man who would much rather withdraw and not trust… community forces me to be vulnerable. To be alright with not having it all together. Obedience to God and respect for my neighbor allows me to love my neighbor even when I don’t feel like loving my neighbor. It means sensing the spirit’s nudge when you don’t want to care for the sick, or visit those in prison, or clothe the naked, or feed the hungry. “Truly I say to you, as you did it for one of the least of my brothers, you did it for me (Matthew 25:40).” What are you doing for the least of these?
In 4 years of teaching and 4 months around the world I have learned that it doesn’t matter where you are, but it does matter where your heart is! Serve joyfully, love freely, and enter his gates with thanksgiving in your heart.
