Community Concerns

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

I once heard a message addressing trends in worship. The speaker pointed out that, years ago, church music was a corporate act of worship in which all of the believers of a congregation came before their God and addressed Him as a group. He went on to point out that the movement in worship music today is toward songs with the subject of “me” and “I.” In the same way, the focus is on the individual’s worship “experience”; whether he or she felt moved. In his message, the speaker stated that our worship trends are indicative of a shift in our view of faith and service. We are becoming more “me” oriented and less concerned with what would serve the good of the body of Christ and our fellow believers. I acknowledge that this likely relates to the egotistical society we are accustomed to but, I have to question where this idea of “two are better than one” fits into all of that. So often, I see people leaving churches because every little detail isn’t to their liking. Much too frequently, I hear people complaining about things in a church without any attempt at being proactive and fixing that problem.

I had an enlightening conversation on a plane once. I was discussing my faith with the gentleman sitting next to me and describing the type of church I attended. I went on to explain to him that I had tried several churches but that they all seemed “dead” and so I moved on until I found the church that fit me. He attended a church that would not have been described as on-fire. He pointed out to me that, if not for him, who would bring the fire and life of the gospel to this lifeless congregation? Church is not weekly entertainment; it is a responsibility and, at the same time, a blessing.

My point here is that we, as humans, are a communal species. We need each other; just like fish need a school and dogs need a pack. God created Eve for Adam because He saw that it was not good for him to be alone. Even more astounding, God created man because He wanted fellowship with us! As a global body of believers, our sum is greater than our parts. We can do more when we are together. We can hold each other accountable and reach a greater holiness and purity than we could have alone.

I challenge you to consider where the place of Christian community is in your life. Are you currently fellowshipping with a body of believers? Are you involved in some sort of small group or accountability relationship that keeps your life in check? Don’t give up your church because they’ve changed the music or the leadership. Don’t give up on being open about your faith because someone has hurt you. God has designed us to share our lives with each other. He has also commanded us to not forsake the body of believers. As we do, we will carry each other’s burdens and lighten the load of life.