The Basics
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 and being His 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 close and aware of Him throughout our day. The basics are easily remembered in a simple “wheel diagram”. Prayer, and study of God,and service and fellowship/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.Fellowship/community
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. It is an interdependent relationship.
Our fellowship with others is only as good as our friendship and relationship with Jesus. Our inner unity is expressed outwardly, in our ability to connect in community with others. It is not just doing something together, but it is working, serving and being together to ideally accomplish God’s will of being a blessing!
When we have the basics of prayer and study to know and love God more, our outward expressions of serving and community with others causes us to be “better together”. We are able to connect as a “body” of people, offering each other mutual support and able to effectively serve and bless those around us. We all have a part to play, not independently doing our own thing, but interdependently 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 says we are “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 when meeting together that is crucial.
Jesus put the power of a loving fellowship and 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)
We are encouraged to follow Jesus’ example and walk in love because when we, “walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another..“(1 John 1:7).
The basics of our walk with Jesus help us navigate this journey of life we are on. When we feel confused or “out of kilter” we need only examine our spokes on the wheel and get back in balance.
Sometimes we would prefer “going it alone”, or it’ll get done faster if I just do it myself”, or even “I don’t need anybody else”. But there is both wisdom and power in having fellowship as a steadying strength in 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)
Take some time to be united with Jesus today, and then let that unity with Him be expressed in fellowship and community with others.
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.
Commentaires