By: Rex A Lones
We must understand that BUILDING COMMUITY is not a passive spectator sport. It involves sacrifices of our time, energy, and resources. It takes vulnerability, humility, and honesty. It requires us to set aside our own interests for the benefit of those around us. It necessitates that we identify with one another in both joy and suffering, in triumph and defeat.
When we begin to master this process we find that not only have we added value to the lives of those around us but we find that our lives are so much better too. We certainly will reap what we sow so we should always look for occasion to encourage others to be their very best.
Community is not just a group of people living in the same place. It is a sense of fellowship with others as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. They share a sense of social values and responsibilities. It is a similarity between members and a common identity.
The root of the word community is “commune”. When used as a noun it reflects a place where folks live together. When used as a verb it denotes sharing one’s intimate thoughts or feelings, especially on a spiritual level. The verb usage denotes ACTION! It is a collective push for a common goal.
Even the idea of taking Holy Communion is based on the concept of communing. When we take communion we are identifying with Christ and remembering what He has done for us. We are remembering His suffering just as He asked us too. We share His thoughts and feelings. The community He started was called “The Way” and was the beginning of the Christian church by early Jewish Christians.
These folks took on a radical new way of living. All possessions were held in common, there were no needy persons among them and they were all of “one heart and mind.” What a wonderful concept! Todays church could learn a lot about serving others if it could join together the way the “FIRST” church did.
There are still great days ahead of us. We need to be about the business of joining together and becoming “one mind and one heart” if we truly want to change the world for the better. We need to tear down denominational barriers, cross cultural lines and rid ourselves of the privilege, favoritism and exclusivity that permeates our culture AND our churches.
In the VERY near future a new “TRIBE” is going to emerge here in East Tennessee. It will be a community of folks who believe that family life and the future of our children are of primary importance. It’s already got a name. It is called KidCrazyFamily! Check out the facebook page of the same name and share your thoughts with the tribe. Great things are on the way! Special events are in the pipeline and you’re NOT going to want to miss it
BE ENCOURAGED TODAY!!!! #dicipleship #eyesonHim
Kidkrazydad.org 