Community

So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.”  (1 Thessalonians 2:8, ESV)

There is a myth in Christianity where people believe the Christian walk is a private matter.  Some people believe their faith is all about Jesus and me and nobody else.  They think (and sometimes say), “I don’t need anyone as long as I have my personal relationship with Jesus I will be ok.”  There are no such thing as a ’Lone Ranger’ Christian (even the Lone Ranger was not alone had a companion in Tonto).

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the core of our faith.  The word Gospel means “good news” and we are called to share the “good news” of Jesus to the world.  The Apostle Paul tells the Thessalonians in the verse above that they were ready to share it with the community around them.  He also says, “We not only want to share the Gospel but we want to share ourselves with you because you are like family to us.”  You see as disciples of Jesus we are called to community and not seclusion.  We are called to share our lives and faith with one another.  Paul tells his dearly beloved readers in Thessalonica that as Christians they need each other.  The same applies to us today.  We need to share one another’s burdens, joys, trials, concerns and so on with each other.  We need to share ourselves with one another so we may be able to edify and build up the body of Christ.  We need to share ourselves so we can pray for one another, encourage those who are down trodden and give hope to those who may feel hopeless.

We all have trials, concerns, troubles, health issues and so on.  We are human and difficulties in life come with the territory.  Don’t you think it is easier to endure these trials when we have loving brothers and sisters to support us?  On the other hand, when something fantastic happens and you see the hand of God in action in your life, don’t you want to share it with everyone?  As a Pastor I DEPEND on the prayers of God's people.  I thrive on celebrating little victories with others.  When I am down-trodden and beaten up I lean on the support of my fellow friends who are there to support me. This truth is simple; we need one another.  The Christian faith is a journey that we walk and we cannot or should not walk alone. 

Random thought for the day:  I cannot walk this journey alone.  I NEED people. Chances are you are on this same journey.  Seek out people to walk  this journey with you.  Find people you can trust to encourage, pray for and endure life's joys, challenges and trials with you.