Community/Communities

<<social grouping, society>>

In the intermingling mass of humanity, our lives touch and affect those we live near and interact with, so no one is completely isolated. Consequently, we should each act responsibly for the common good. When communities wholeheartedly adopt a cause, immense power, and capability are generated (Gen 11:6; Act 7:57, 19:34). Peer pressure and crowd manipulation are powerful influences, especially in the cause of evil. It was the comparatively small group of malicious religious leaders who incited the crowds to turn against Jesus and demand His crucifixion (Lk 23:18). Effective communication is vital to keep people informed and the exchange of ideas. Unfortunately, the mainstream media regularly propagates the narrative and agenda of biased governments, which don’t reflect the truth or a balanced picture.

Jesus was not tainted by sin when He mixed with sinners to show them a better way to live. He ministered to the practical and spiritual needs of those around Him, feeding the hungry multitudes, healing the sick, delivering the

Am I touching my world for Christ?

demon-possessed, and teaching about the Kingdom of God, besides praying and weeping over Jerusalem (Mt 4:24, 7:29, 15:30-37; Lk 19:41; Act 10:38). Although our relationship with God is based on personal salvation, the outworking of that salvation is in the context of community – for the church is but a group of believers that should be impacting the lives of the non-believers beneficially and practically. By being involved with wholesome community activities, ‘the aroma’ of Christ will be evidenced through our good works that result in God being praised and others desiring to know Him too (Mt 25:34-46; 2 Cor 2:14).

As believers, we are instructed to go into all the world and share the gospel, with the divine pattern being to start locally (at home) before spreading out (Mt 28:19,20; Act 1:8). Our closest mission field is nearer than we may think, for it may be the unsaved neighbour next-door, school friend or a fellow workmate, so be intentionally looking out for the needs and willingly reach across social and racial boundaries to willingly show the love of Christ as appropriate. We can greatly influence those we know, especially if

our lives are being radically changed by the power of the gospel (Lk 8:38,39; Jn 4:39; Act 4:13). Jesus said we should serve our fellow man who is in need (regardless of their status in life) by doing as we would like done to us (Mt 25:35-45; Mk 10:44,45; Lk 6:31). As others observe our lifestyle, will it encourage them to follow God or reject Christianity?

As Christians, we are not to live segregated lives, but rather to connect with the world around us, being a positive influence; seasoning it with various acts of kindness without compromising or adopting its falling values, for although we are ‘in the world we are not of it’ (Jn 15:19, 17:14,16; Act 9:36,39; Rom 12:12-21). It is imperative to keep a close watch, so the devil doesn't gain an advantage over us as many distractions and temptations can divert us so we must be on guard, besides being accountable to, and in close relationships with other Christians (2 Cor 2:11; Gal 6:1; Eph 4:27; Heb 10:25; 1 Pet 5:8; 2 Jn 1:8).

Although we are part of the Christian community that is composed of those who love Jesus and fellowship with each other, our interaction with others extends out to the wider community of those yet to come to faith in Jesus with the intention that we are part of the process by which they encounter salvation.

In response to the question, ‘Why was Adam lonely if God was enough?’ God Himself stated that being alone was not good for Adam (Gen 2:18). God is an invisible Spirit and His presence is made known such as in the Garden of Eden (Gen 3:8; Jn 4:24, 6:46; 1 Jn 4:12). Although the Holy Spirit lives within

I need you so I can obey the command to “love one another” – John 13:34,35

each believer, we all need physical connection and interaction with our visible flesh and blood fellow man (Jn 14:17; Rom 8:1; 1 Cor 3:16, 6:19). Through community with one another, we can also enjoy God and express the virtues that make for a harmonious society and the Christian qualities as found throughout the Scriptures. The Bible forbids us from saying, I have God. I don’t need members of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:18-21). As we live in relationships and serve those also made in the image of God we fulfill His design for humans dwelling in community together (Gen 1:27; Jn 14:9; Col 1:15). Jesus, the only perfect representation of God, has commissioned us to be salt and light representing Him in our world (Mt 5:13-16). How am I doing at radiating Him? By loving others, we show our love for God (1 Jn 4:20,21).