Where Are You in Community With Others?

Yesterday I preached the Sunday morning service at my church, The Journey Church.  As the associate pastor, I am afforded the opportunity to share what God is laying on my heart every couple of months or so.  I’ve now preached about 4 or 5 times, and it was just as nerve wrecking yesterday as it was the first time.  It really helps me appreciate those who share the Word each and every week.

My message was about community, and it was titled “The Five Courses of Community,” based on 1 Peter 3:8.  That passage simply reads as a charge to believers - “Finally all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.” 

That passage contains 5 layers or courses (think restaurant) of what makes up an individual’s commitment to community.  Each of these courses builds upon the previous one.  Here’s what was on my heart –

1.  The first course – Soup – We are called to be united –This is where we show up and begin to meet like-minded people (Hebrews 10:23-25)
2.   The second course – Appetizer – We are called to be sympathetic and sensitive – This is where we begin to share and receive as we get to know others (Hebrews 13:16, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
3. The third course – Salad – We are called to love – This is where we begin to care for each other on a deeper level (Galatians 6:2, James 5:16)
4.  The fourth course – Entree – We are called to tenderness – This is where our love is known by others as a representation of our loving Father (Mark 12:28-31, John13:34-35)
5.  The fifth course – Dessert – We are called to remain humble – This is where we maintain community in its most basic and God-designed sense (Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 133)

I’ve said all that to ask this question – On what course are you currently dining?   Are you trying to find all of your nourishment by eating only appetizers?  I’ll admit I enjoy eating a blooming onion, but I can’t live on that as the primary meal 3 times a day, 7 days a week. Same goes for trying to be content on just one “course” of community – it’s the combination of all the courses that really satisfies. 

Is Jesus getting all of me and you?

Why should you "Be on My Team"?

I must be honest up front - I'm watching the tv show A-Team via Netflix while I'm composing this blog.  I remember it being this amazing show I loved as a youngster back in the day, and my recent curiosity was peaked when the new movie was released this year.  Yes, it's a bit cheesy, but the tv show is still fun to watch. Who was your favorite character?  You've gotta love Howling Mad Murdock, my personal fav!

On a slightly related note (stick with me here), my wife Becky and I are currently conducting pre-marital counseling for two different couples.  One of the couples is about my age (I'm 36 years old), while the other couple includes one of the seniors from our college ministry.  The couples share many similarities, yet each are unique.  One of the couples is just starting off, while the other couple has over a decade's worth of additional life's adventures.

During the time we spend with each couple, we share what God thinks about marriage, the roles of the husband and the woman, as well as discuss issues that could come up at some point.  One of the phrases Becky and I use is "Be on My Team"  (Team - there's the subtle A-Team tie-in).  It refers to both of us being united - one mind, one body, one voice.

Becky and I don't always have to agree - in fact, there are times we are exact opposites in thought.  But to those around us, we are united.  No one needs to know that we don't agree - it's our private business.  Couples can get into trouble when they start bringing other people into their squabbles.  It's easy for a partner to forgive another; it can be much harder for a spouse's best friend or family member to forgive and forget.

This phrase doesn't just apply to marital or dating relationships.  Think of how much better life would be if coworkers were on each others team vs. stepping on each other, trying to get ahead.  Or what about a group of friends?  Or church members?

What would the world look like if we we all on the same team - His team?