What life have you if you have not life together?
There is not life that is not in community,
And no community not lived in praise of God . . .
-Choruses from the Rock
T.S. Eliot penned these transcendent words for The Rock in 1934. Although the modern landscape has drastically changed, the poet’s words remain relevant. In this excerpt, Eliot expresses sorrow at life devoid of community. In his times and ours, isolation and individualism are prevalent. He believes a vibrant life must entail community. The two are inextricably woven together. One without the other, for Eliot, is unthinkable.
In an age bombarded by digital devices and remote capabilities, seclusion is becoming an unhealthy pattern. Solitude can be stifling. It not only inhibits normal fellowship with others, but it can mess with our reality now that AI is in the picture. It has become difficult to know what is real and what is not. We can be influenced in so many unhealthy ways. Community, therefore, is becoming even more of a necessity.
Being a Christian, we hear community, community, community. Why? Because it’s vital that we not only understand the communal nature of Christianity but also how it enriches the Christian life.
Community Fosters Benevolence
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds . . .” (Heb. 10:24)
In the book of Matthew, a Pharisee sought to test Jesus by questioning Him on which is the greatest commandment of the Law. Jesus answered with, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. . .And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt. 22:37–39)
Notice that both commandments began with the word “love.” Every aspect of the Christian life flows from our love of God and neighbor, yet community is essential to fulfilling this divine decree. We need one another as a source of encouragement to persevere in faith and maintain a posture of love. We all experience bouts of apathy, frustration, and a litany of other emotions. Still, it’s in community with like-minded brothers and sisters that we are urged and inspired to persist in loving one another, despite the circumstances we encounter.
Community Fosters Healing
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” -James 5:16
Sin can cause us to reject community. It isolates us in our relationship with God by causing us to place our trust in something other than God and His word. It separates us from others when we knowingly or unknowingly hurt others or are hurt by others. We are called not only to confess our sins to God but also to one another so that we can pray for one another and be accountable. Often, we neglect to talk to others about our struggles due to shame or disappointment, but as Christians who are all flawed, we should be extending mercy and grace to each other as Christ did to us.
Community Fosters Christlikeness
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:1)
There are few verses in the New Testament more aspirational than what Paul proclaimed in 1 Cor. 11:1. Though he openly expressed his failures, Paul’s heart and mind were so fixated on the Lord that he comfortably invited people to follow him because he followed Christ’s example. Do you feel comfortable saying that? I know for me, I am way more comfortable when I am in community because, in community, my walk is better, and my example is stronger.
Being in community, in constant fellowship with other believers, helps to refine our lives and intentions, so they more consistently align with Christ. In community, our actions are accountable to others. In community, we read and learn Scripture. One thing I love about community is the subtle and not-so-subtle debate about what certain Scriptures are actually saying.
It’s in community with Christian brothers and sisters that we can spiritually mature to the point where we can confidently encourage others to follow our example as we follow the example of Christ.
When we struggle with the world, community is what grounds us. Life is not predictable. There are ups and downs along the way. When times feel difficult, it is even more important to trust God; however, this is when it can feel hard to trust God. However, God’s unchanging character can give us a firm foundation when things feel unsteady.
Life can go along smoothly for a season. Your job is satisfying. Your friends and family are enjoyable. Your goals, finances, health, and outlook seem bright. Then, all of a sudden, life throws a curveball. Someone you know gets sick. You lose your job. A friend or family member betrays you. The world goes askew. The things you felt secure in feel shaky and uncertain.
Trusting God
How do you trust that God is good in these circumstances? How do you trust Him when you do not understand what is happening? God wants to help you understand.
To trust is to believe in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of something. So, when it comes to trusting God, that means believing in His reliability, His Word, His ability, and His strength. The Bible says that God cannot lie. He always keeps His promises. That He loves you and has good in store for you. Trusting in Him means believing what He says about Himself, about the world and about you is true.
Trusting God is more than a feeling; it’s a choice to have faith in what He says, even when your feelings or circumstances would have you believe something different. Your feelings and circumstances matter and are very much worth paying attention to. God cares about them both. But those things alone are not reliable enough to base your life on. They can change at any moment. God, on the other hand, does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow and therefore is worthy of your trust (Hebrews 13:8).
Trusting God is not about ignoring your feelings or reality. It is not pretending that everything is OK when it isn’t. Trusting God is living a life of belief in and obedience to God even when it’s difficult.
Share Your Concerns With Your Community
You are not facing these difficult times alone. The Lord is walking with you every step of the way. He also gives you other believers to walk with.
Paul was a follower of Jesus and a leader in the early church. He shared this with a fellow believer as encouragement.
I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. (Philemon 1:6, NIV)
Paul reminded his friend that partnership is important and helps us have a greater understanding of God and His plan.
When you are struggling, share those concerns with another follower of Jesus whom you trust — someone you know is pursuing a relationship with God regularly and who knows God’s Word. You do not have to share struggles with everyone, but find those people who will encourage you and share the truth with you — not just tell you what you want to hear.
Fellow believers can remind you of God’s character through encouragement and accountability. They can pray for and support you. They can remind you of the truth when you’re struggling. Community reminds you that you are never alone, even in hard times.
Cast Your Cares on Him
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7, NIV)
You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. (Psalm 56:8, NLT)
Because God loves you, you can show your trust in Him by talking about all your feelings and circumstances with Him — the good and hard — through prayer. Don’t let your emotions rule your life; bring them to God so He can help you address them. He is not disappointed or frustrated by your struggles, doubts or pain. He cares about you, and you can trust Him with those things.
When you trust, you go to God and His Word when life is hard. You also act on obedience (doing what God says in His Word) and trust that He will ultimately take care of the rest. In trust, you do not look for security in other things; you look to God to hold you securely in difficult circumstances. You won’t do this perfectly, but God is kind and patient with you while you learn to trust Him.
God cares for your hurts. He pays attention. How comforting it is to know that the God of the universe is also paying attention to you. Knowing that God is for you will strengthen your trust in Him during times of hardship and the unknown.
Seek Truth in Scripture
Scripture, or the Bible, is God’s Word. God knows you need somewhere to go when you feel unsure. That place is His Word. It is unchanging and completely trustworthy.
The Bible records ways God has responded in difficult times in the past. It reminds you that He is trustworthy, whatever your circumstances. Many people in Scripture even reference other parts of Scripture to encourage themselves and those around them.
The truth in Scripture frees you from the unrealistic scenarios that you run to in worry. If you don’t run to the Word to remind you of truth in difficult times, it is easier for you to be led into lies about your life and who God is.
You need a strong foundation of Scripture to stand on, especially when you feel uncertain. The Bible is God’s unfailing, unchanging Word. You can cling to its truth when life throws you a curveball.
I love the phrase, “Stand in your truth,” which is to say “Stand in His truth.” I always visualize a BLOCK of truth, unmovable, unchangeable.
Remember God and Spend Time With Him
God is bigger than your circumstances. Difficult times may feel like they last forever, but they are temporary. God is present in both the good times and the bad. He is always faithful.
God wants you to bring your circumstances to Him. He also wants you to come to Him simply to spend time with Him.
You should not let your circumstances shape your relationship with God. God should shape your view of your circumstances.
Spend regular time with God. Establishing a consistent time with the Lord when things feel good will help you to continue to go to Him when things feel rough. If you have not established that, it is never too late to start.
Look for Things to Be Grateful For
Difficult circumstances feel all-consuming at times. It is really hard to see past them to other good things going on. But God’s grace is in all things.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV)
God calls you to give thanks. He is always working in your life and in the world. In the moments when everything appears to be falling apart, it can be hard to see how the Good Father is at work, but know His mercy is consistent.
Giving thanks fights the lie that everything is horrible. Even in tragic circumstances, there will be light and grace. God is present and is making Himself known. You need only to look. Trust grows as you look for God’s presence in what feels dark and heavy. He never leaves and He brings other believers alongside you to support you in your walk.