Where is your place? Where in this crazy world do you go to be who you really are? When things get bad, who do you call? When things are great, do you call the same people? Where does “everybody know your name”?
I met a new customer last week and we wrapped up our business right around the lunch hour. He kindly asked me if I would join him for lunch, so I gladly accepted. We were riding in his car when he announced that we would be dining at the local Elks club. Since I had never set foot in an Elks club, I was not 100% sure what I was getting myself into, but I figured it beat the local drive thru and yet another meal behind the wheel.
When we entered said club, I was intrigued by what I found. To put it simply, this was his community. This is where he met with his friends, and the people that he does life together with. They shared stories, made plans, even offered to help one another with things they were dealing with. Afterwards, he told me how one of the women we met had lost her husband a few years ago and how they have all helped her through it. I couldn’t help but think that one key element was missing.
“Cheers”, “Friends”, “Seinfeld”, and all of the other shows were great to watch. They were perfect examples of community but all lacked that one true element. When groups come together, in a Christ centered community, nothing can replace it. There is no storm too large, no win too big, no event that can replace sharing life as God designed it. Throughout scripture, we are shown examples of what this is to look like. We all need community. We all need Christ centered friends to share this life with. Each of us needs a place where we can be who we are and people love us anyway. Where we take off the mask and allow others to know us. To know more then just our name.
That is so true. We do need a place like that. There’s something about being known where you don’t have to re-tell your story every time you see someone because they already know. And don’t let anyone tell you differently. Why do you think chat rooms, blogging, etc is so popular? We’re all creating our little communities. The hard part is finding a place face to face and not only receiving but giving to it too. I feel like I’m rambling. Does that make any sense?
That’s interesting. Being who God’s called you to be.. i’m praying into that at the mo to see where i need to be to flourish most.
In Jesus,
Maria in the UK
http://www.inhishands.co.uk
Joni – It makes total sense. It is so important that small groups and local churches create communities where people of ANY walk of life can feel comfortable. It is not our duty to create “Holy Huddles” and circles of exclusion. Rather, to have open doors, open groups, open circles and open hearts where all are welcomed to be who they really are.
Amen Aaron… true christian community is desperately needed today and all too often lacking. You are blessed to have it!
Amen!
Good point. I’ve been thinking a lot about community lately. Our churches sometimes get it right, but I think a lot of our churches don’t do a really great job with this. We’re all so busy and focused on ourselves. And when we do come together, often we feel a need to pretend to be perfect. We Christians should be the ones setting an example with the whole community thing — but sometimes nonbelievers (like the ones at the Elk club) put us to shame.