Christian Foundations 8 - Communityনমুনা

A NEEDY COMMUNITY

I am a fairly self-dependent person. I do not naturally rely on others nor do I enjoy being needed by others. I would be comfortable just doing my own thing and only working with or serving others when necessary. But thank goodness God has never allowed me to stay isolated. He has constantly called me to give myself to others in my community both as a servant and a leader. And he has continually raised up people who help me serve God and do the things with me and around me that I could never do myself. My life and ministry have been hugely enriched by being part of a community where we meet each other’s needs.  

Read: 1 Corinthians 12:21-31

Journal

1. What is God saying to me? Which verse is most significant?

2. What would I like to discuss/explore further?

3. What do I need to do?

4. Who would be the weaker but indispensable parts (12:22-25) in your community?

Reflect

The main point Paul is making in this passage is that you need your whole Christian community. Yes, there are some people that may seem to be less gifted or needier or more challenging. They may appear to have less to offer you. But they require special attention and concern because they are so important to the health of the whole community. You need everyone whether you realize it or not. You will never be spiritually healthy without your community.

But not only do you need them, but they also need you. Everyone has some gift to offer the community. No-one can do it all. Without your contribution, your community will be missing something. You may feel inadequate or unimportant, but this is not true. If you feel less “honorable,” maybe you are one of the special ones Paul is writing about? At the very least, you can share the suffering and rejoicing of those in your community. 

Yes, we are all needy. We certainly need God, but we need each other as well. I get very frustrated when people tell me that they are not involved in church anymore, but they are still following Jesus. How can anyone follow Jesus and ignore his body? What about all the needs they have that their church community is supposed to be filling? What about all the needs of the church that they are supposed to be contributing to? Community is essential.

If you are wondering how you could contribute to your church community at the moment, maybe you could ask your mentor or Christian friends. You could serve in some formal church ministry or you could contribute informally through encouraging or supporting or praying with others. Maybe you could now take someone else through this Christian Foundations course?  Why not?

Pray

Thanks for the community that you have placed me in Lord. I need these people. All of them. Even the ones who seem to be more challenging. Help me to learn from others and to serve others. Bind us together so that people will recognize that we are your body, Jesus. 

Respond

Is God laying anyone on your heart that you could invite to do the Christian Foundations studies with you? If so, plan out how and when you will invite them. If you need some help with this, talk to your mentor.