When we look at the basics of walking with Jesus it’s not just about an experience or head knowledge of Him, but also about really knowing Him as a friend. That we would not do, think and say nothing that would offend him, just as we would hopefully treat any loved one in our life.
When we pay close attention to the basics of Christian living it helps us to remain aware of Him throughout our day. The basics are easily remembered in a simple “wheel diagram”. Prayer, and study of God,and service and community. Having all four firmly in place assist us in making our life flow, rather than feeling like we are on a bumpy ride all the time. (See posts 23-25 May)
4.Community / Fellowship
Our English word, “fellowship” is the translation of the Greek word, “koinonia.” It’s from that word that the word, “fellowship,” is derived from. It means “to hold something in common“. To have relationships that are dependent on more than one individual and to be an interdependent relationship.
Our fellowship with others is affected by our relationship with Jesus as our inner unity is expressed outwardly and in our ability to connect with others. It is not just doing something together but also in working, serving and being together so as to be a blessing!
When we have the basics of prayer and study to know and love God more, our outward expressions of serving and living in community with others causes us to be “better together”. We are able to connect as a “body” of people as we all have a part to play, not independently doing our own thing, but connecting together for the greater good.
“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
God encourages us, “to stir up love and good works, not forsaking meeting together” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
The simple act of getting together doesn’t however achieve the goal of fellowship. It’s how we treat each other while we are together that is crucial.
Jesus put the concept of true community in a nutshell when he said, ”A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35)
Sometimes we would prefer “going it alone”, or having the mentality of “I’ll get done faster if I just do it myself”, and “I don’t need anybody else”. But there is both wisdom and power in community and the steadying strength and support it can bring to our lives.
The bible sums it up pretty well. “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.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-11)
God has people that He wants us to connect with because with them in our life we are better together.
Prayer: Lord I thank you you that I am never alone. Help me to appreciate the power of community and relationship with others, and to deal with any negative feelings or past hurts. Please bring those people that you desire to be in my life into closer relationship with me. In Jesus Name Amen.
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