"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but to encourage one another ... "
Hebrews 10:25a
Adam and Eve, Moses and Aaron, Ruth and Naomi, Elijah and Elisha, David and Nathan, Jesus and the disciples, Paul and Timothy all knew that we are created for community. We need each other and, in fact, we are better together. That is why we believe we should connect in Christian community.
We are created for community. It's been many years now since the rise of businesses like Starbucks and Panera. At the heart of these organizations was there recognition of the need for community. Our nation and culture was deeply engrossed in individualism. People were longing for a sense of community. Both organizations have pretty good products, but it is there emphasis on creating space for community that keeps them thriving. We long to be connected in community. The reality is, that is how we are put together. It's in our genes. We are created for community.
We are better together. We can get along on our own pretty well for a short time. The fact is that life is a marathon and not a sprint. We need each other to navigate this life we live. As it says in Scripture, a three strand cord cannot be broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Doing life together brings greater meaning to everything in our life. Together we can encourage and motivate each other. Together we can support and care for each other. Together we can laugh and play together. We need each other and we are better together.
Simply put ... we believe we experience God's grace and grow in Christ best when we are connected in Christian community. It's what we were created for and what brings out our best. How well are you connected in Christian community in your life?
I look forward to sharing more with you this Sunday about the importance staying connected. I can't wait to see you in church.