trbccoffeebreak

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.: Hebrews 10:24-25

What is a community? Generally speaking, it can be the city or area you live in. It could be your neighborhood, especially if you live in one of those planned developments designed to bring people together with common areas and activities. It could even describe the profession you are part of. These days, “community” is also defined very broadly as a group of people having a particular attribute in common (even if it’s immutable, and even if no other characteristic or value is shared). The forced isolation of the past few years combined with the nefarious plague of social media has brought together people (particularly kids and teens) desperate for connection, manifesting “communities” that are really destructive cultural contagions in disguise.

There are myriad factors at play as to why, but our society is indeed starving for authentic community—a unified body of individuals. Now, you’re probably thinking that all the examples above can be defined as “unified bodies of individuals”—and this is a fact. But they all break down when the superficial aspects are removed to expose core values, needs, truth, and even motivation. Simple case in point: A housing development builds a pool and clubhouse to collect exorbitant HOA fees—they’re not all that concerned if residents actually use the facilities. And we’ve all seen how the “scientific community” has been at hardcore odds for the past several years (and it continues today)—there’s no real unity at all.

Followers of Jesus Christ have a built-in, solid foundation of common unity (community!)—we are unified in the Truth and bound together by the gospel of grace. Despite our respective pasts, we are made new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and we wear a robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). Whatever our family or country of origin, we are brothers and sisters—and children of God (1 John 3:1). No matter the level of melanin, we are all image-bearers of God enlivened by His breath (Genesis 1:27).

Every Sunday, we join millions of other Christians around the world to pour out worship to the Lord, be sharpened by God’s Word, and encourage one another to walk in faith and Truth. Isn’t that amazing?! But we can’t isolate this experience to just Sundays and then jump back to living like the world Monday through Saturday. We have to create opportunities throughout the week to strengthen our bonds of unity and deepen this Kingdom community—especially as the god of this world gets more ferocious in his efforts to steal, kill, and destroy as his time gets short. The enemy’s (and culture’s) lies are coming at us fast and furiously. We must devote ourselves to God’s Word, to fellowship, to having meals together, and to praying together (Acts 2:42). We’ve got to drop the nonessentials, focus on the gospel, and live in harmony with one another in accord with Jesus Christ—glorifying God with one voice (Romans 15:5-7). This is true community. And in the discord, divisiveness, and vitriol of this world, it’s more vital than ever that we hold fast to Christian unity and stand resolved on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ.

“Lord, You and You alone are the solid foundation of true community. May we be intentional about creating common unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life