If there’s anything that I have learned and relearned over and over again over the course of my life, it has been this – we need a community of believers around us.

When I look out at cultural trends inside and outside of the church, I can see a thread of self-sufficiency, individualism, and consumerism. We strive to be self-sufficient because we run from vulnerability. We lean toward individualism because we run from sacrifice. We turn to consumerism because we run toward convenience over commitment.

What does all of this have to do with community?

For one, I believe each of these trends are prohibiting us from experiencing the fullness and the richness of community within the local church.

Being a part of a community of believers takes commitment even when it is inconvenient, even when it doesn’t fit your preferences, even when you’re not feeling it.

Being a part of a community of believers takes sacrifice – giving of yourself for the sake of others.

Being a part of a community of believers takes vulnerability and transparency because we will run out of our own steam at some point and we need the power of the Holy Spirit fueled by the work of God among God’s people to strengthen us, to nourish us, to comfort us and to sustain us.

My challenge to you this week is to look around and identify what is holding you back from committing to a community of believers.

And I’m not talking about just showing up on Sunday. Maybe that’s your first step because 2020 threw us all out of our normal church rhythms but the kind of community I’m talking about digs much deeper roots than is possible with a handshake during service time.

Look around – God is gathering his people in ways that transform lives. Go join Him in that.